David GOMBE
NEC FC will seek to keep the title Push when they visit UPDF FC on Friday at Bombo Barracks Military Grounds.
Hussein Mbalangu’s side are currently second on the Uganda Premier league table with 47 points, five points adrift of the leaders Vipers SC who overcame Lugazi FC at Kitende on Thursday.
The Die Hards come into this contest after a 3-1 win over Express FC in their previous league game.
NEC have managed 16 points away from home this term and are unbeaten in their last seven away league games. In fact they are unbeaten in their last 14 games since their defeat at Lugazi.
The army side will be aiming for their maiden win over NEC FC having lost two of their last three meetings and a stalemate.
Vipers will be praying that their former assistant coach Paul Kiwanuka now managing UPDF does them a favour over Mbalangu’s charges.
The army side lost to KCCA 2-1 in their last league home game in Bombo.
Team News
UPDF will be without Frank Mugisa and Rashid Faridi due to injury and suspension respectively. Tebandeke Christopher is a major doubt while Shakib Mayanja and Henry Penza Tenywa to miss the contest.
For NEC, defender Jacob Okao who has formed a formidable partnership with Patrick Bayiga is suspended while Rashid Okocha and Shamir Kimwero are out injured.
Okocha scored NEC FC’s only goal over UPDF FC in their first round meeting this term.
Head to Head
2024/2025
NEC 1-0 UPDF
2023/2024
UPDF 2-2 NEC
NEC 2-0 UPDF
