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First Leg result
SC Vipers 0-0 NEC FC
Second Leg result
NEC FC 1-1 SC Vipers
After a goalless draw in the first leg at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, Vipers SC and NEC FC squared off in the return leg at MTN Omondi Stadium, with the former narrowly advancing on away goals.
Vipers head coach Nikolai Kavazović returned to the touchline after missing the first leg due to malaria.
Both teams showed composure in the early stages, with neither side managing a shot on goal in the first ten minutes.
NEC had the first real chance in the 13th minute when they won a corner, but Paul Mucureezi sent the ball wide. Vipers responded through Milton Karisa, whose shot in the 16th minute forced NEC goalkeeper Hanington to make a crucial save, but the resulting corner yielded nothing.
The match saw limited clear-cut chances, but NEC’s Ssebagala tested Vipers’ keeper Jack Komakech with a straightforward shot in the 18th minute.
NEC had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 40th minute with a free kick right in front of the goal, but Tembo’s effort went wide.
The breakthrough came just before halftime when Milton Karisa capitalized on a defensive lapse by NEC. Karisa seized the opportunity, calmly tapping the ball past the keeper to give Vipers a 1-0 lead at the break.
In the second half, NEC pressed harder, dominating possession and spending much of the time in Vipers’ half.
However, they struggled to convert their chances.
Vipers had opportunities to extend their lead through Karisa and Okello but failed to capitalize.
NEC continued to push for an equalizer and finally found it in the 88th minute.
Dickson Niwamanya’s towering header leveled the score, giving NEC a glimmer of hope.
They nearly took the lead when Isma Kawawulo’s header went wide, and in a frantic finish, Kenneth Kimera’s close-range shot for Vipers hit the side netting.
Despite NEC’s valiant efforts, Vipers held on, progressing to the semifinals on the away goals rule.
The match highlighted Vipers’ resilience and NEC’s determination, setting the stage for an exciting next round in the competition.
Photo credits: Sports Lens
