By 
Fahad Bayo scored the decisive goal as NEC FC edged UPDF FC 1-0 at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Tuesday to remain firmly in the Uganda Premier League title race.
The forward struck shortly after the restart to settle a closely contested Matchday 10 encounter, handing the Diehards their seventh victory of the campaign and keeping them level on points with leaders BUL FC.
NEC came into the game looking to move to the top of the standings but faced a familiar opponent in the dugout, with former NEC coach Hussein Mbalangu now in charge of UPDF.
The hosts started brightly, with James Jarieko making an early forward run before sending an effort narrowly wide.
Bayo also had opportunities to put NEC ahead in the opening half. In the 13th minute, he controlled the ball well and turned towards goal but sent his effort wide. Two minutes later, another opportunity came his way following a good pass from Allan Mugalu, but the forward again failed to find the target.
NEC continued to push, with goalkeeper Kamya called upon to deal with Jarieko’s delivery in the 22nd minute. Bayo also missed another chance five minutes later as the hosts struggled to turn their attacking pressure into goals.
UPDF gradually grew into the contest and threatened through Ayesiga, who failed to connect with a dangerous low cross in the 33rd minute.
Three minutes later, Kamya produced a good save to parry Ibrahim Musa’s free-kick, denying NEC another opportunity to break the deadlock.
NEC were forced into an early change in the 40th minute when Gideon Odongo picked up an injury, with Enock Tumwesigye coming on in his place.
Despite creating the better opportunities, the hosts went into the break frustrated after a goalless first half.
Coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa made another change at the restart, introducing Enrique Lubwama for Daniel Shabene, and the substitute made an immediate impact.
In the 47th minute, Lubwama set up Bayo, who unleashed a powerful long-range effort that flew into the roof of the net to finally break UPDF’s resistance.
The goal lifted the atmosphere at Lugogo, with NEC growing in confidence as they looked to extend their advantage.
Bayo came close to scoring again in the 57th minute when he rose highest to meet Ibrahim Musa’s delivery, but his header sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
NEC made further changes as they sought to manage the game, with Marvin Oshaba replacing Jarieko in the 64th minute before Emmanuel Ajo and Shamir Kimwero came on for Bayo and Allan Mugalu in the 73rd minute.
The Diehards, however, suffered another setback when defender Jacob Okao went down injured in the 83rd minute.
Having already used all their substitutes, NEC were forced to play the remaining minutes with 10 men, giving UPDF an opportunity to push for an equaliser.
The visitors pressed forward in the closing stages, but NEC defended resolutely to protect their slender advantage. Faisal Kiberu fired over in the 92nd minute as UPDF’s final opportunity went begging.
NEC held on through four minutes of added time to secure an important victory, with Ibrahim Musa rewarded for his outstanding defensive and overall contribution by being named the Linqsoft Aluminium Man of the Match.
The result leaves NEC second on the 18-team Uganda Premier League table with 23 points from 10 matches, level with leaders BUL FC, who have a game in hand.
Despite having a superior goal difference of 14, the Diehards trail BUL on the head-to-head rule after losing 2-1 to the Njeru-based side earlier in the campaign.
Bayo, meanwhile, continued his impressive scoring form, finding the net for the second consecutive league match and maintaining his importance to NEC’s title ambitions.
The league will take a break for the international window before NEC return to action against Maroons FC at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, in their next assignment.
