Kampala, Uganda
Following their Uganda Cup exit at Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Tuesday, NEC FC has shifted its full focus to the Uganda Premier League title race. The team is determined to catch up with leaders Vipers SC and reclaim their momentum in the competition.
Currently sitting second in the league standings with 37 points, NEC is just three points behind Vipers SC. They will face an in-form Lugazi FC at home on Saturday, hoping to narrow the gap before Vipers take on Mbarara City at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Sunday.
Fortress Lugogo and NEC’s Title Aspirations
Lugogo has been a stronghold for NEC this season, with head coach Hussein Mbalangu famously referring to it as a “slaughtering ground” for visiting teams. Before their recent shock defeat to Blacks Power, NEC had played 10 home matches, dropping points only once in a goalless draw against Police FC last November.
However, the team is now looking to recover after a dip in form, having gone two matches without a win in all competitions. Their recent 1-1 draw against Police FC in Kavumba allowed Vipers to extend their lead at the top.
Coach Mbalangu has urged his players to step up against Lugazi FC, a team that previously defeated NEC 1-0 in Najjembe, with Sam Ssemugugu scoring the decisive goal.
“Lugogo remains a ‘slaughtering ground’ for visiting teams. Blacks Power may have escaped, but that doesn’t mean others will. Now that we are out of the Uganda Cup, our focus is entirely on the league. I expect a much sharper performance because we haven’t been at our best in recent games,” Mbalangu said. Fortunately, he has a fully fit squad available for this crucial fixture.
Lugazi FC’s Rise Under Bogere
Lugazi FC has undergone a significant transformation under head coach Steven Bogere, who took over in October last year. Once relegation contenders, Lugazi has become a competitive side, recording four wins, six draws, and only two losses in their last 12 league games. They currently sit 11th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
One of the standout players for Lugazi has been Abdul Kalanzi, who has delivered seven goals and four assists in his last 12 appearances across all competitions. Earlier this week, his brace secured a 2-0 victory over Calvary FC, propelling Lugazi into the Uganda Cup round of 16.
Kalanzi will be a key player to watch as Lugazi aims to complete a league double over NEC in Saturday’s showdown. The match is set to be an electrifying contest, with NEC striving to revive their title challenge while Lugazi continues their impressive run in the league.