NEC FC will be ruing a dramatic collapse on Saturday night after surrendering a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Police FC under the floodlights at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The Die Hards looked set for their first win of the campaign after goals from Mustafa Kizza and Joseph Dhata put them in control, but two late strikes from Charles Bbale and Umar Kasumba ensured the Cops snatched a share of the spoils.
The home side hit the ground running, taking the lead inside just three minutes. The referee waved for a penalty after Saidi Kyeyune brought down Dhata in the box, and Kizza confidently dispatched the spot kick, sending goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga the wrong way.
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Kulanga Emmanuel comes in as the sole change as Mbalangu names his Starting XI.
Let’s go #Diehards.#StarTimesUPL | #NECPOL | #SUPL pic.twitter.com/FOH4SsxhA8
— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) October 18, 2025
Police, stunned by the early setback, gradually grew into the game. They nearly levelled midway through the first half when Lawrence Tezikya ghosted into the area but narrowly missed connecting with a teasing Brian James Obedi cross.
NEC, however, maintained control and doubled their lead on the hour mark. Waibi Charles delivered a delightful cross into the danger zone, and Dhata rose highest to nod home from close range, seemingly putting the result beyond doubt.
But as the clock ticked down, Police refused to fade. Substitute Charles Bbale ignited the comeback in the 85th minute, bending a low free kick through the NEC wall and into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.
Then came heartbreak for the hosts. Deep into stoppage time, the visitors were awarded a penalty after Emmanuel Mugume was fouled inside the area. Up stepped Kasumba, who kept his composure to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and secure a dramatic point for Police.
Joseph Dhata was a force of nature, earning the Linqsoft Man of the Match for a display that electrified MTN Omondi Stadium. From the first whistle, he was a whirlwind, tearing through Police’s defense with relentless energy. In the second minute, he surged into the box, his… pic.twitter.com/PdYwfJAYYM
— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) October 19, 2025
The result lifted Police into fourth place on the table, while NEC remain without a win after two matches, both ending in draws, leaving coach Hussein Mbalangu with plenty to ponder ahead of their next outing.
