Early goals power NEC FC into Uganda Cup quarter-finals

NEC FC booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup in style after a commanding 2-0 victory over Lugazi FC at MTN Omondi Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

2-0. Samuel Ssekamatte.#StanbicUgandaCup | #NECLUG pic.twitter.com/o0XzOnpxvL

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) March 17, 2026

The hosts delivered a ruthless first-half display, with goals from Gideon Odongo and Samuel Ssekamatte inside the opening eight minutes proving enough to seal progression and underline their growing credentials in the competition.

NEC wasted no time stamping authority on the contest. Just six minutes into the game, Hakim Wandera swung in a pinpoint corner from the right, and Odongo rose above the defence to power home a superb header and hand his side an early lead.

1-0. Gideon Odong#StanbicUgandaCup | #NECLUG pic.twitter.com/Lxwfwq6vjq

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) March 17, 2026

Barely two minutes later, the advantage was doubled in devastating fashion. Emmanuel Kulanga picked out Ssekamatte with a precise through ball, and the forward kept his composure to slot past the Lugazi goalkeeper, putting his club firmly in control before Lugazi could settle.

The quick-fire double left Lugazi stunned, as NEC dictated the tempo and controlled proceedings for the remainder of the first half.

Tonny Atukunda nearly added a third in the 38th minute, but his effort was well saved by the goalkeeper.

Holding a comfortable lead at the break, NEC returned for the second half with a clear plan to manage the game while remaining a threat going forward.

Tactical adjustments followed immediately after restart, with James Jarieko and Allan Mugalu introduced to maintain intensity. The hosts continued to create chances, with Jarieko going close on multiple occasions.

In the 55th minute, he connected with another dangerous Wandera delivery, only to see his header cleared off the line. Moments later, he came close again but nodded narrowly over the bar.

Further changes around the hour mark saw Marvin Kavuma and Siraje Sentamu come on as NEC maintained control across all departments.

Atukunda was booked in the 71st minute for a tactical foul, but Lugazi rarely threatened to mount a comeback. In the closing stages, Innocent Media replaced Richard Basangwa as the victors focused on game management, defending resolutely to preserve their lead and secure yet another clean sheet.

The victory not only sends NEC into the quarter-finals for just the second time in their history but also extends their remarkable unbeaten run to 14 matches, with an impressive 11 clean sheets highlighting their defensive solidity.

With momentum firmly on their side, they now await the quarter-final draw as attention briefly shifts away from cup action. They will return to league duty in April, where they are set to host URA FC.