UPL: NEC FC held by Entebbe UPPC in goalless Lugogo stalemate

NEC FC and Entebbe UPPC settled for a goalless draw under the floodlights at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Tuesday evening in a 2025/26 Uganda Premier League Matchday 20 fixture.

The contest produced plenty of effort from both sides but neither team managed to find the decisive breakthrough, ultimately sharing the spoils after 90 minutes of disciplined defending and missed opportunities.

Entebbe UPPC started the brighter side of the two, taking early control of possession and dictating the rhythm of the game.

Their mid-season additions Sadik Nasur, Laban Tibita, and Abraham Tusubira linked up effectively in the opening stages, constantly probing the NEC defense and forcing the hosts to remain alert.

Before the halftime break, Entebbe UPPC made the first substitution of the evening in the 40th minute, introducing Isa Mubiru in place of Eric Ssenjobe.

After the restart, NEC showed a clear improvement and began pushing forward with more intent. Their first change came at the start of the second half as Allan Mugalu replaced Pius Obuya, a move that injected fresh energy into the home side’s attack.

Mugalu soon tested the Entebbe UPPC defence with several attempts, though none managed to trouble the scoreboard.

Midway through the second half, Entebbe UPPC reshuffled their squad with a quadruple substitution in the 64th minute.

Hassan Ssenyonjo, Muhammed Kyeyune, Julius Poloto, and Fazil Tumwine were introduced for Laban Tibita, Abraham Tusubira, Sadik Nasur, and Ambrose Kigozi respectively in a bid to maintain intensity.

NEC responded shortly after with two substitutions of their own. Marvin Kavuma came on for Samuel Kayongo Ssekamatte, while Ronald Media Innocent replaced Muhammed Senoga Kagawa.

The match briefly sparked into life in the 70th minute when Entebbe UPPC substitute Muhammed Kyeyune found the back of the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Moments later, Hassan Ssenyonjo went into the referee’s book following a late challenge.

NEC captain Kavuma continued to drive the hosts forward and managed a shot on target, while Ronald Media also threatened with a header after connecting with Odongo’s cross, but Entebbe UPPC held firm at the back.

At the final whistle, both sides had to settle for a point each. The result marks Entebbe UPPC’s sixth draw of the campaign, leaving them fifth on the table with 36 points from 20 matches.

Fought till the final whistle, A point at home#NECUPPC || #StarTimesUPL || #Diehards pic.twitter.com/KnWf1VdR9w

— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) March 10, 2026

For NEC, the stalemate represents their tenth draw of the season, placing them seventh with 31 points after 20 games in the Uganda Premier League standings.