Super 8: NEC eliminate Express on away goals rule

FUFA Super 8 Qualifiers – return legs

Tuesday, September 9
*Maroons 1-3 BUL (1-3 agg)
*Express 1-2 NEC (2-2 agg)

Wednesday, September 10
*Kitara Vs URA – Nakivubo

Friday, September 12
*SC Villa Vs KCCA – Kadiba

NEC bounced back in style to eliminate Express and storm into the semifinals of the FUFA Super Eight with a 2-1 win on Tuesday at Nakivubo.

Having lost 1-0 in the first leg, NEC advanced on the away goals rule (which still works in Africa) after the tie ended 2-2 on aggregate.

Express, who hosted the decisive second leg, bowed out after conceding twice at home.

Emmanuel Kulanga set the tone for NEC with a well-timed header off Geriga Atendele’s cross to hand the visitors the lead.

Marvin Kavuma then doubled the advantage in controversial fashion, appearing to foul Ashraf Mbaziira before dispossessing him inside the area to slot home.

Express pulled one back through Herbert Assimwe in the 89th, who rifled in a thunderous strike past goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, but the Red Eagles ran out of time to find an equalizer.

The result was a huge boost for NEC, who are gearing up for their maiden appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup.

They now await the winner between URA and Kitara in the semifinals of the FUFA Super Eight.