SC Villa produced a ruthless display to dismantle NEC FC 4-1 on Thursday evening, bringing the hosts’ remarkable 19-match unbeaten run to a crashing halt.
The visitors arrived with several changes to the side that edged URA in the Uganda Cup semi-finals, as coach Zeljko Kovacevic rotated heavily and handed striker Charles Lwanga a rare opportunity in the starting lineup. The forward grabbed it with both hands.
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A way to complete the season’s Away games! ✅️
For you Jogoos🔵 💙#NECSCV || @UPL #TheJogoos pic.twitter.com/YACI35NMnz
— SC Villa (@SCVillaJogoo) May 20, 2026
Lwanga wasted little time announcing himself, firing Villa ahead in the 10th minute to become the first player in over ten league games to beat NEC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo. The forward remained a constant menace and struck again just eight minutes later, completing an early brace that stunned the home crowd.
Villa continued to dominate the contest with confidence and intensity. Defender Geoffrey Gaganga added a third goal in the 35th minute as the visitors punished a disjointed NEC side that struggled to cope with Villa’s attacking movement and sharp transitions.
Despite holding a commanding lead, Villa maintained their attacking approach after the break. Kovacevic introduced fresh legs in the second half, and the changes paid off later on when Hassan Mubiru capped off the performance with a fourth goal in the 87th minute.
That strike arrived moments after Villa had been reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Farouk Matovu, who received a second yellow card in the 82nd minute.
NEC eventually found a consolation through Emmanuel Kulanga, but it did little to change the complexion of a night Villa completely controlled.
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⭐️ of the Day on a Bounce! @LwangaCharlesN
💯#NECSCV || @UPL #TheJogoos pic.twitter.com/d5VCUreSTa— SC Villa (@SCVillaJogoo) May 20, 2026
The defeat leaves NEC in sixth place with 48 points, although they still possess a game in hand. Villa, meanwhile, climb to third with 58 points ahead of their final league fixture at home against UPDF FC.
NEC will conclude their campaign with a demanding trip to face already relegated Calvary FC in Midigo.
