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Results for 24th April 2024
- Express FC 1-2 Kitara FC
- NEC FC 1-0 BUL FC
Under the floodlights at Lugogo MTN Omondi Stadium, Kelvin Barni shone as NEC FC secured a narrow victory over Bul FC with a solitary goal.
The early moments of the match saw both teams resorting to aerial balls rather than cohesive passing plays.
NEC had their chances in the first half, including a close call from a corner kick in the 16th minute that was cleared by Nicholas Mwere.
In the 45th minute, a powerful shot from distance went wide for NEC.
Bul FC also had their opportunities in the first half, notably with Nicholas Mwere’s well-placed free kick in the 25th minute, which was expertly saved by NEC’s goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan.
Another headed attempt by Reagan Kalyowa in the 35th minute was calmly collected by Ochan.
Despite these chances, the first half ended goalless with two minutes of added time.
The second half started with Bul FC displaying more fluid passing football.
However, an unfortunate error by Bul FC goalkeeper Tom Ikara led to NEC’s breakthrough when Kelvin Barni capitalized on a defensive mishap and scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute.
BUL FC Coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere was shown a red card and sent off for displaying dissent after NEC’s goal.
Moments as Abbey Kikomeko was being shown a red card
In the dying minutes, NEC’s Okocha attempted a chip over the Bul FC goalkeeper, but it was saved by Ikara.
NEC FC managed to hold on for the win, setting up a rematch against Bul FC in the Stanbic Uganda Cup at Fufa Technical Center Njeru on Sunday.
Kelvin Barni’s goal and exceptional performance at the back earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match accolade.
With this victory, NEC FC moved to 43 points, placing them just three points behind league leaders Vipers and Bul FC, who will face off on May 1st at the iconic Madela Stadium, Namboole.
This tightens the title race and adds excitement to the upcoming fixtures.
Photo Credits: NEC FC media & Tonny Kamau
