Nec advance title pursuit, ruin KCCA aspirations

Nec hold an 11-point advantage over third placed Express with KCCA a further point back.

The result also came on the day it emerged KCCA had taken their appeal against a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player to the court of arbitration for sport.

But on the basis of Thursday’s showing under the Lugogo lights, even a successful appeal might not be enough to resuscitate their almost non-existent title aspirations.

KCCA made the brighter start pinning the opponents in their own half before a lapse in concentration allowed Nec to take the lead.

James Mubeezi allowed Geriga Atendere to cross to an unmarked Ssebagala who headed in despite goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa’s best efforts to keep the ball out.

The KCCA custodian was then lucky to stay on the pitch, as he appeared to punch James Jarieko while trying to retrieve the ball for restart.

The goal further sparked Nec to life with a Paul Mucureezi header cleared off the line while Mugolofa made a double save to keep Cromwell Rwothomio out.

KCCA then should have been awarded a penalty of their own after defender Patrick Bayiga struck Yian Gatbell with a high boot to the head.

The incident was again however missed by referee Lucky Kasalirwe who earlier booked Nec goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo for appearing to hold the ball from outside his box.

With tensions rising between the two teams, there was little goalmouth action in the second half with KCCA hogging possession and Nec looking to hit on the break.

Another KCCA penalty appeal was turned down when the ball struck Bayiga’s outstretched had in the closing stages.

But Nec deserved the victory.

Results 

Mbale Heroes 0-1 Mbarara City

UPDF 0-0 Kitara

NEC 1-0 KCCA