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StarTimes Uganda Premier League
KCCA FC 2-1 NEC FC
MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Friday, December 12, 2025 – 8pm EAT
KCCA FC secured a vital 2-1 victory over NEC FC in a dramatic encounter at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, a result that sees the Cityzens maintain their pole position at the top of the league table with 23 points from 10 matches.
KCCA started the match brightly, drawing first blood in the 5th minute when Saidi Mayanja capitalized on a ball from Sammy Ssebaduka, slotting it home to give the hosts the early 1-0 advantage.
The Cityzens looked to extend their lead, with Lazaro Muhindo testing NEC’s goalkeeper Samson Kiirya with a long-range effort in the 27th minute, which was parried wide.
NEC were forced into two early changes; injured Warren Buule and Shamiru Kimwero were replaced by Ibrahim Musa and Allan Mugalu, respectively.
Center referee Shamirah Nabadda had to reach for his cards late in the half. NEC’s Joseph Sseremba was cautioned in the 37th minute for a foul on Saidi Mayanja, and the substitute Ibrahim Musa received a booking for a foul on Sammy Ssebaduka in first-half stoppage time.
1-0 at the break.
The second half began with tactical changes from both sides. KCCA introduced Derrick Nsibambi for Ashraf Mugume, while NEC replaced Emmanuel Kulanga with Titus Ssematimba.
For a brief period, the substitute Ssematimba made a significant impact, as he headed home past goalkeeper Emojong to tie the score at 1-1 just six minutes after his introduction.
The game then descended into a period of heavy disciplinary action, with four cards shown in quick succession. NEC’s Joseph Dhata and KCCA’s Emmanuel Anyama were cautioned for fouls in the 56th minute.
The turning point came when NEC’s goal scorer, Titus Ssematimba, was cautioned for a foul on Emmanuel Anyama. Three minutes later, Ssematimba received a second bookable offense for a foul on Lazaro Muhindo, resulting in NEC being reduced to ten players.
The numerical advantage was short-lived. Four minutes after Ssematimba’s dismissal, KCCA’s Emmanuel Anyama was also shown a red card for a foul on NEC’s Ibrahim Musa, restoring parity in personnel with both sides down to 10 players each.
KCCA sought to press home their quality, making two more changes as Umar Lutalo replaced Sammy Ssebaduka, and last weekend’s match winner Alex Yiga was introduced for Lazaro Muhindo.
The hosts’ late pressure paid off dramatically. With only three minutes of normal time remaining, KCCA’s aggressive counter press forced an error.
Alex Yiga and Derrick Nsibambi dispossessed NEC’s Ibrahim Musa, and Yiga teed up Saidi Mayanja. Mayanja’s powerful shot rattled the woodwork before rolling into the back of the net for his and KCCA’s second goal of the day, snatching the 2-1 lead.
KCCA made one final change, bringing on Brain Jjara for the two goal hero Saidi Mayanja, as the clock wound down to confirm a hard fought 2-1 win at Lugogo.
The 13-time league winners maintain their position at the top with 23 points from 10 matches this season. KCCA hosts Buhimba on Tuesday at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Lineups
KCCA FC
Emojong (GK), Achayi (C), Obenchan, Walusimbi, Muhamud, Sserunjogi, Lazaro (Yiga), Mugume (Nsibambi), Mayanja (Jjara), Anyama, Ssebaduka (Lutalo).
NEC FC
Kiirya (GK), Kiyemba, Buule (Ibrahim), Ajo (Jarieko), Waibi, Kimwero (Mugalu), Sseremba, Odongo, Dhata, Kulanga (Ssematimba), Media.
Player of the Match – Saidi Mayanja
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