NEC FC came from behind to defeat URA FC 4-1 at the MTN Omondi Stadium, with Richard Basangwa scoring twice in a dominant UPL victory.
NEC FC produced an emphatic response to their first dropped points of the season by coming from behind to defeat URA FC 4-1 at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
The Diehards conceded inside the opening two minutes when Isma Mugulusi punished a defensive lapse, but the early setback only sharpened their focus. James Jarieko equalised in the 14th minute before Richard Basangwa and Enrique Lubwama struck late in the first half. Basangwa added another shortly after the restart to complete his brace and seal a commanding Uganda Premier League victory.
The result returned NEC to winning ways following their goalless draw at Mbarara City and lifted them to second with 10 points from four games.
The manner of the victory was equally important: NEC controlled the game after falling behind, attacked with purpose and prevented URA from gaining confidence during the decisive phases of the contest.
Isma Mugulusi Hands URA a Dream Start
URA could hardly have asked for a better opening. Mugulusi took advantage of uncertainty in the NEC defence and scored inside the opening two minutes, handing the Tax Collectors an immediate 1-0 advantage.
Instead of giving URA control, the goal became their afternoon’s high point. NEC responded urgently, commanded possession and repeatedly forced the visitors backwards.
James Jarieko Begins the NEC Comeback
NEC drew level in the 14th minute through James Jarieko. Emmanuel Ajo created the opportunity, finding Jarieko in position to beat goalkeeper Chrispus Kusiima and restore parity.
The equaliser rewarded NEC’s positive response and shifted control towards the hosts. Their midfield dictated the pace as Ajo, Basangwa and Lubwama tested a vulnerable URA defence. The visitors offered little threat after Mugulusi’s opener and struggled to connect midfield with attack.
Basangwa and Lubwama Transform the Match
The decisive first-half burst arrived shortly before the interval. Lubwama displayed composure to create the chance for Basangwa, who finished in the 42nd minute to give NEC a deserved 2-1 lead.
Moments later, Ajo’s effort came back off the woodwork, and Lubwama converted the rebound for his first NEC goal. The rapid double produced a commanding 3-1 halftime lead.
Lubwama also supplied two assists and found space between URA’s midfield and defence. His influence earned him the club’s Man of the Match award despite Basangwa’s brace.
Having led early, URA entered halftime two goals behind a team growing in confidence.
Richard Basangwa Completes His Brace
URA made three halftime substitutions, introducing Marvin Wambuga, Noel Namanya and Eric Okutu in search of more energy and control.
The changes failed to produce the desired response. Five minutes after the restart, NEC punished URA again. The hosts regained possession and attacked quickly, with Lubwama combining with Basangwa before the forward finished from close range to make it 4-1.
Basangwa’s second goal settled the contest and took his league tally to four goals in four games, highlighting his importance to NEC’s attack.
NEC managed the remaining minutes comfortably as URA failed to create sustained pressure.
NEC Send a Message to Their Title Rivals
After victories over KCCA and Lugazi and a goalless draw at Mbarara City, NEC responded with their biggest win of the campaign.
Ten points from four fixtures place the Diehards among the early title contenders. Recovering from an early concession demonstrated character and attacking quality.
After the international break, NEC are scheduled to return to league action against Express at the MTN Omondi Stadium on 8 October. They will enter that fixture knowing another strong result can keep pressure on the leaders.
URA Must Address Defensive and Attacking Concerns
URA have now lost twice in three league matches. Their opening-day victory over Maroons offered encouragement, but defeats to SC Villa and NEC have exposed significant weaknesses.
The Tax Collectors failed to build on an ideal start in Lugogo. Defensive errors contributed to NEC’s goals, possession was surrendered too easily, and the attack created little after Mugulusi’s opener. Even the halftime changes could not reverse the direction of the contest.
URA still has time to correct those problems, but improvement must be immediate. Better concentration, stronger midfield control and more purposeful attacking movement will be required if they are to climb from the lower half of the standings.
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Verdict
NEC’s 4-1 victory was a convincing statement of intent. Falling behind almost immediately could have created doubt, but the Diehards responded with composure, intensity and four unanswered goals. Basangwa supplied the finishing touch, Lubwama shaped the contest with a goal and two assists, and Jarieko started the comeback.
URA’s early breakthrough ultimately disguised a difficult performance. They lacked the organisation and sharpness required to contain NEC and never recovered after conceding three times before halftime. NEC leave Matchday Four as credible challengers near the summit; URA leave with urgent questions to answer before their campaign resumes.
