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NEC FC had to dig deep to overcome UPDF FC 1-0 at Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Tuesday, but Fahad Bayo’s second-half strike was enough to keep the Diehards firmly in the Uganda Premier League title race.
Bayo struck three minutes after the restart to settle a contest in which NEC created several chances but struggled to find the finishing touch in the first half.
The forward’s 48th-minute goal, assisted by Enrique Lubwama, proved decisive as NEC collected all three points to remain second on 23 points after 10 matches.
It was also another memorable afternoon for Bayo, who picked up his second consecutive Man of the Match award.
NEC started brightly and looked the more dangerous side, but their wastefulness in front of goal kept UPDF in the game.
Jarieko had an early effort go wide before Bayo missed the best chance of the opening exchanges in the 13th minute. Having controlled the ball brilliantly and turned towards goal, he sent his shot wide.
Two minutes later, Bayo was presented with another opportunity after a good pass from Allan Mugalu, but he failed to make the most of it.
UPDF goalkeeper Kamya then dealt with Jarieko’s cross in the 22nd minute, with Bayo unable to capitalise before the defence closed him down.
The chances kept coming for NEC, but so did the frustration. Bayo missed again in the 27th minute, while UPDF also threatened when Ayesiga failed to connect with a low cross from the right in the 33rd minute.
Kamya was called into action three minutes later, parrying away Ibrahim Musa’s free-kick to deny Basangwa a chance to head home.
NEC were forced into an early change in the 41st minute, with Enock Tumwesigye replacing Odong.
Bayo had one more opportunity before the break, but his decision to pass rather than shoot at an open goal allowed the UPDF defence to recover and block the effort.
The teams went into the break goalless, leaving NEC with plenty to think about after failing to turn their first-half dominance into goals.
However, the breakthrough finally arrived three minutes into the second half.
After Daniel Shabene made way for Lubwama at the restart, the substitute made an immediate impact by setting up Bayo, who made no mistake, firing into the roof of the net in the 48th minute.
The goal gave NEC the lead they had been chasing and lifted the pressure on the hosts.
Bayo almost added a second in the 57th minute, but his header from another Ibrahim Musa free-kick sailed just over the crossbar.
UPDF introduced Ochen Emmanuel for Amos Muwonge in the 54th minute as they sought a way back into the contest. At the 65-minute mark, Derrick Taremwa replaced Ayesiga for the visitors, while NEC brought on Marvin Oshaba for Jarieko.
NEC later withdrew Bayo and Allan Mugalu for Emmanuel Ajo and Shamir Kimwero in a double change in the 74th minute.
The closing stages brought fresh concerns for the hosts when Okao went down injured in the 81st minute. Having already used all their substitutes, NEC risked playing the remaining minutes with 10 men.
UPDF made another change in the 84th minute, bringing on Herbert Kibirango for Joel Kigenyi, while Faisal Kiberu was booked.
Ibrahim Musa also received a yellow card in the 89th minute after conceding a free-kick in a promising position for the visitors.
UPDF pushed for an equaliser during the four minutes of added time, but their best opportunity came to nothing when Kiberu fired over the bar in the 92nd minute.
NEC held on to secure their seventh win of the campaign and remain second on 23 points, level with leaders BUL FC.
Despite having a better goal difference of 14, NEC trail BUL on the head-to-head rule after losing 2-1 to the Njeru side earlier this season.
The Diehards will next visit Maroons FC at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, on November 19 following the international break. UPDF will face SC Villa at the same venue the following day.
Elsewhere, BUL returned to the top of the table after beating SC Villa 2-1 at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
BUL took control before half-time through Alex Kitata, who opened the scoring in the 25th minute, before Derrick Byabachwezi doubled the advantage in the 36th minute.
Tonny Asiku pulled one back for Villa eight minutes past the hour mark, but BUL held on to take all three points and move to 23 points.
At the Kira Road Police Arena, Police FC and Kitara FC shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Kitara took an early lead through Gadafi Wahad in the 10th minute, but Police fought back and found an equaliser through Samuel Ssekamate with 16 minutes remaining.
League action continues on Wednesday, November 4.
Wednesday, November 4
Thursday, November 5
Friday, November 6
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