Saidi Mayanja’s first-half penalty earned KCCA FC a 1-0 victory over NEC FC in the 2026 FUFA Super 8 final at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
KCCA FC defeated NEC FC 1-0 in the 2026 FUFA Super 8 final, with Saidi Mayanja scoring the decisive first-half penalty at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The Kasasiro Boys entered the final seeking their second FUFA Super 8 crown and their first trophy of any kind since winning the CECAFA Kagame Cup in 2019. NEC, meanwhile, were attempting to recover from losing the previous season’s Super 8 final.
Mayanja held his nerve amid protests surrounding the penalty decision, beating NEC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo from the spot. KCCA then relied on defensive organisation, important blocks and a late save from Mutwalibu Mugolofa to protect the narrow advantage.
The final was played on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, with a scheduled 7 pm EAT kick-off at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, as confirmed by KCCA FC’s official website.
KCCA vs NEC Match Summary
- Competition: 2026 FUFA Super 8 final
- Date: Tuesday, 18 August 2026
- Venue: Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo
- Halftime score: KCCA FC 1-0 NEC FC
- Full-time score: KCCA FC 1-0 NEC FC
- Goalscorer: Saidi Mayanja, penalty
- Outcome: KCCA FC crowned 2026 FUFA Super 8 champions
Match Preview and Road to the Final
KCCA reached the final after eliminating BUL FC 4-2 on aggregate in the quarterfinals, winning both legs 2-1. Mayanja then scored an early goal in a 1-0 semifinal victory over Kitara FC.
NEC drew 1-1 with UPPC in the first leg of their quarterfinal before winning the return match 2-1. Badru Kaddu’s side subsequently produced a second-half comeback to eliminate defending champions SC Villa 3-1 in the semifinal.
KCCA’s appearance was their third Super 8 final. They won the inaugural competition in 2018 by beating Onduparaka 2-0 but lost the 2019 final. NEC were contesting a second successive final after finishing runners-up to SC Villa in the previous edition. These routes and historical details were documented in the official KCCA match preview.
Saidi Mayanja receives the 2026 FUFA Super 8 MVP award from FUFA Executive Committee member Rogers Mulindwa. Photo Credit: KCCA
First Half: Mayanja Penalty Gives KCCA the Lead
The contest was tight from the opening exchanges, with NEC striker Richard Basangwa using his physical presence to trouble the KCCA defence. Basangwa headed a promising opportunity wide shortly before the match’s decisive incident.
In the 35th minute, Herbert Achai delivered a set piece into the NEC penalty area. Daniel Shabene was adjudged to have made contact with Yunus Sibira, prompting the referee to award KCCA a penalty despite strong protests from NEC’s players.
Mayanja accepted the responsibility and confidently drove his spot-kick beyond Ssebwalunyo. His goal sent KCCA into the interval with a 1-0 advantage. The penalty, its timing, and the players involved are recorded in the original Kawowo Sports match report.
Halftime: KCCA FC 1-0 NEC FC
Second Half: NEC Pressure Meets KCCA Resistance
NEC increased their attacking intensity after halftime as they searched for an equaliser. KCCA also had an opportunity to create breathing space when Emmanuel Anyama supplied Sibira approximately ten minutes into the second period, but the midfielder sent his attempt over the crossbar.
Kaddu introduced attacking reinforcements, including Henrique Lubwama and Fahad Bayo. Bayo’s debut was unfortunately cut short by injury, while Lubwama gave NEC greater directness and shooting threat.
KCCA increasingly had to defend their penalty area. Captain Achai competed strongly against Basangwa, while Maxwell Owachigiu and Filbert Obenchan made important interventions. Sammy Ssebaduka also produced a vital late clearance as NEC committed more players forward.
The runners-up came closest to equalising with six minutes remaining. Lubwama unleashed a powerful long-range effort, but Mugolofa dived to push the ball away and preserve KCCA’s lead. KCCA survived the closing pressure to win the final 1-0, an outcome confirmed by the Kawowo match report and KCCA player ratings.
Full time: KCCA FC 1-0 NEC FC
Standout Players
Saidi Mayanja
Mayanja delivered the match-winning moment by converting the penalty under considerable pressure. His influence extended beyond the final: he also scored against BUL and struck the semifinal winner against Kitara. He was consequently named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Mutwalibu Mugolofa
Mugolofa justified his selection as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. He denied Basangwa in the first half before producing the late save from Lubwama that effectively secured the trophy.
Maxwell Owachigiu and Herbert Achai
Owachigiu repeatedly blocked NEC shooting opportunities and competed well in the air. Achai supplied the set-piece delivery that led to the penalty and showed leadership while battling NEC’s powerful forwards.
Richard Basangwa
Although he did not score in the final, Basangwa remained NEC’s most persistent attacking threat and finished as the tournament’s top scorer. He occupied KCCA’s centre-backs, created physical duels and earned the highest rating among NEC’s starters.
KCCA FC players celebrate a goal during their 2026 FUFA Super 8 campaign.
Photo Credit (KCCA)
What Decided the Match?
The final was decided by KCCA’s superior execution in both penalty areas.
Mayanja converted KCCA’s clearest opening, while NEC failed to make their periods of pressure count. Basangwa missed a good headed opportunity, and Mugolofa stopped the most dangerous attempts that reached his goal.
KCCA’s defensive concentration was equally important. Owachigiu, Achai, Obenchan and Ssebaduka protected the lead through blocks, tackles and clearances. NEC improved after introducing Lubwama and Allan Mugalu, but their final decisions and finishing did not match their promising approach play.
KCCA coach Brian Ssenyondo acknowledged that his team had lived dangerously and needed to convert more chances. However, he praised the players for holding on and developing the winning mentality required at a club of KCCA’s stature, according to his post-match reaction.
Implications Ahead of the Uganda Premier League
The victory provides KCCA with confidence and tangible proof that Ssenyondo’s young squad can manage a high-pressure final. It was the club’s first trophy since the 2019 CECAFA Kagame Cup and came eight years after KCCA won the inaugural FUFA Super 8.
With the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League scheduled to begin on 28 August, KCCA entered the campaign with momentum and renewed expectations. However, their coach’s concerns about chance conversion remain significant. Protecting one-goal leads is valuable, but a sustained title challenge will require greater attacking efficiency.
NEC left Nakivubo with another painful final defeat, yet their performances show they should remain competitive. Basangwa’s Golden Boot, Lubwama’s impact and the team’s Fair Play award provide positive foundations ahead of the league season.
Bangbet UPL Outlook and Responsible Play
For Bangbet Uganda followers assessing the upcoming Uganda Premier League, KCCA’s defensive structure, Saidi Mayanja’s form and Mutwalibu Mugolofa’s reliability are important early indicators. The Super 8 triumph strengthens KCCA’s position among the leading title contenders, while NEC’s attacking potential means the Die Hards should not be dismissed because of one narrow defeat. However, pre-season results offer guidance rather than guarantees, so always consider confirmed team news, injuries, and current form.
Betting should remain entertainment, not a source of income, and losses should never be chased. Follow Bangbet’s responsible-play guidance, set affordable deposit and betting limits, and take regular breaks. Stop betting if it stops being entertainment. Anyone who feels that gambling is becoming difficult to control can also use the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board self-exclusion service to take a formal break from betting, or reach out to Bangbet’s customer support team and ask for self-exclusion by calling 0768677777 and 0748655151. Always play responsibly.
Today’s take home
KCCA’s 1-0 victory over NEC was built on composure, defensive discipline and decisive contributions at both ends of the pitch. Saidi Mayanja converted the opportunity that mattered, while Mutwalibu Mugolofa and the KCCA defence protected the advantage when NEC increased the pressure.
The trophy gives Brian Ssenyondo’s side renewed confidence ahead of the Uganda Premier League, and ends the club’s wait for silverware since its 2019 CECAFA Kagame Cup success. NEC demonstrated enough quality to remain a serious league threat, but greater efficiency in front of goal will be essential.
The Super 8 title does not guarantee league success, but it gives KCCA momentum, belief and an early winning standard. As attention turns to the new UPL season, supporters can expect both finalists to play prominent roles in the campaign ahead.
