Clinical NEC humbles visiting Vipers at Lugogo | UPL 2024/25
Uganda Premier League 2024/25 (Match Day 1): NEC commenced the 2024-2025 Uganda Premier League season on a bright note, triumphing 3-1 over visiting Vipers at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Sunday, 15th September 2024. Second half substitutes Cromwell Rwothomio and Paul Mucureezi joined Muzamiru Mutyaba’s first half goal to spur NEC to a great […] The post Clinical NEC humbles visiting Vipers at Lugogo | UPL 2024/25 appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
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Uganda Premier League 2024/25 (Match Day 1):
- NEC 3-1 Vipers
NEC commenced the 2024-2025 Uganda Premier League season on a bright note, triumphing 3-1 over visiting Vipers at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Sunday, 15th September 2024.
Second half substitutes Cromwell Rwothomio and Paul Mucureezi joined Muzamiru Mutyaba’s first half goal to spur NEC to a great memorable result.
Vipers’ only goal came from defender Livingstone Mulondo.
The home side start brilliantly with vigour and pomp in the opening five minutes of the game.
Against the run of play Allan Okello’s glancing header narrowly missed target off Moses Waiswa’s inviting corner kick in the 6th minute.
Moments later, Abdul Karim Watambala shot over with weaker right foot from 25 yards.
The game was lit up with Mutyaba’s super strike from 20 yards past the diving goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu.
On the quarter hour mark, Waiswa’s dangerous free-kick delivery into the area was well thwarted by the NEC skipper Ibrahim Kiyemba.
It was Vipers again with a distant shot from Watambala but goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo was equal to the task at hand.
NEC’s forward Dickson Niwamanya hurried shot from distance after a quick break but the effort flew off target.
Vipers called for a quick forced change when Sukuya limped off for midfielder Abubakari Walusimbi after 20 minutes.
The Venoms remains soul searching and earned two corner kicks in succession that NEC defended well.
On the 25th minute mark, a powerful header from defender Mulondo found the back of the net after an inviting corner kick from Waiswa.
Ignited by the equalizer, Vipers would have easily taken the lead two minutes later.
Following a quick counter attack, Vipers’ captain Milton Karisa outpaced Isma Kawawulo before he laid the ball for Watambala.
In turn, Watambala set up Allan Okelllo who shot inches off target.
Kawawulo recovered on time to defend off Kenneth Kimera inside the goal area as Vipers surged forward.
The NEC technical team immediately reacted with a swift change. Off was Isma Kawawulo with Gideon Odongo taking his place.
NEC’s roving right back Geriga Atendele had a free-kick delivery from the right find James Jarieko all alone but the former Arua Hill player headed the ball wide of play.
Waiswa tested goalie Ssebwalunyo from 40 yards but the effort only won Vipers a free-kick as the first half minutes trickled down.
NEC has the last goal attempt of the opening half when Odongo executed a free-kick but forward Niwamanya slid where it mattered most.
Upon restart of play in the final 45 minutes; NEC called for a double change.
Niwamanya and Jarieko paved way for Cromwell Rwomothio and Paul Mucureezi respectively.
Mutyaba got cautioned by the referee for unsporting conduct two minutes into the second half.
Vipers’ Kenneth Kimera had a left footer off target as the bow-legged attacker surged ahead.
Mucureezi had a mazy run down the right but his cross was well defended before he nearly beat goalkeeper Kiggundu with a cross-cum-shot towards the goal in the 56th minute.
Super substitute showed the marksmanship instincts, finishing from close range after Rashid Okocha donkey work on the left.
It was Mucureezi on target two minutes later, expertly rounding off the advancing goalkeeper to finish in an empty net and spark wild cheers from the NEC faithful.
Vipers called for change in the 63rd minute when Annest Ankunda replaced Waiswa.
The remained against the visitors with Abubakari Walusimbi’s booking.
NEC nearly made it 4 but Thembo’s shot from 40 yards was saved by goalkeeper Kiggundu in the 67th minute.
Coming to the final 20 minutes, Vipers made a triple change.
Grant Matisko, Yunus Ssentamu and Katongole were introduced for Abdul Karim Watambala, Milton Karisa and Walusimbi respectively.
With Karisa out, the Vipers’ arm’s band was worn by Allan Okello
Okello missed narrowly with a low drive, a big opportunity to pull at least a goal coming to the final 10 minutes.
NEC rested Mutyaba for Wahab Gaddafi on the 80th minute mark before Vipers’ defender Mulondo got cautioned.
With two minutes to climax the game, goalkeeper Ssebwalunyo stood firm in-between the post, denying Ankunda from close range.
Geriga Atendele (NEC) got booked for a large challenge and Rwothomio’s big moment for a hat-trick on match day one was ruined by a timely block from Mulondo as the minutes trickled down.
NEC triumphed gallantly on the evening for the treasured three points in the bag.
The maximum points will be good enough to bolster their confidence levels prior to the away trip to Kitara at the new amenity in Hoima, Butema (Royals Park) this coming Thursday, 19th September 2024. 
Team Line Ups:
NEC XI: Hannington Ssebwalunyo (G.K), Geriga Atendele, Isma Kawawulo, Ibrahim Kiyemba (Captain), Barni, Ibrahim Thembo, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Enock Ssebagala, James Jarieko, Dickson Niwamanya, Rashid Okocha
Subs: Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Samson Kirya (G.K), Gideon Odongo, Jacob Okao, Kimwero, Amir Kakomo, Wahab Gaddafi, Ronald Kaye, Paul Mucureezi, Cromwell Rwothomio, Kulanga
Vipers XI: Derrick Kiggundu (G.K), Nicholas Wadada, Enock Luyima, Livingstone Mulondo, Patrick Mbowa, Abdul Karim Watambala, Milton Karisa (Captain), Moses Waiswa, Allan Okello, Sukuya, Kenneth Kimera
Subs: Alfred Mudekereza (G.K), Grant Matsiko, Derrick Ndahiro, Hilary Mukundane, Katongole, Isa Bugembe, Yunus Sentamu, Abubakari Walusimbi, Annest Ankunda, Rogers Torach, Fazil Tumwine, Fumador
The post Clinical NEC humbles visiting Vipers at Lugogo | UPL 2024/25 appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
