NEC FC produced a commanding second-half display to complete a 4-1 comeback victory over URA FC at Lugogo on Tuesday, returning to winning ways after a frustrating stalemate against Mbarara City.
The Diehards fell behind inside two minutes when Isma Mugulusi gave URA an early advantage, but the setback proved little more than a temporary setback as NEC quickly assumed control of the contest.
James Jarieko restored parity in the 14th minute, converting after Emmanuel Ajo had created the opening as NEC began to dictate proceedings.
The hosts completed the turnaround before half-time, with Richard Basangwa putting them ahead in the 42nd minute after being picked out by Enrique Lubwama.
Lubwama then added a third before the interval, reacting quickest to a rebound after URA goalkeeper Chrispus Kusiima had kept out Ajo’s initial effort.
URA attempted to change the course of the game at the restart, introducing Marvin Wambuga, Noel Namanya and Eric Okutu for Nelson Ssenkatuka, Moses Aliro and Shalifu Lubega.
However, the triple substitution failed to inject the desired urgency into the Tax Collectors’ performance.
NEC instead continued to exploit the spaces left by their opponents and extended their advantage four minutes into the second half.
Moses Waiswa surrendered possession in midfield, allowing NEC to break quickly on transition, with Basangwa finishing from close range to complete his brace and make it 4-1.
The result lifts NEC to second place on 10 points from four matches, level with SC Villa, who moved to the same tally after defeating Kigezi HomeBoyz 3-0 at Wankulukuku.
URA, meanwhile, remain on three points from three matches and slip to 10th in the early standings.
Both sides will return to league action after the international break. NEC will host KCCA FC on 9 October, while URA will welcome Express FC a day earlier.
