NEC SC overturned a first-leg deficit to eliminate Express FC and storm into the FUFA Super 8 semifinals, edging the Red Eagles 2-1 on Tuesday evening at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku. The result leveled the tie at 2-2 on aggregate, with NEC advancing courtesy of the away goals rule.
Express, buoyed by a slender 1-0 win from the opening leg, entered the clash with confidence, but NEC arrived in a ruthless mood, showing sharpness and intent from the start.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute, when right-back Atendele Geriga surged down the flank and whipped in a teasing delivery for youngster Emmanuel Kulanga, who rose above his marker to nod home and ignite NEC’s comeback hopes.
Skipper Marvin Kavuma doubled the advantage shortly before the break, pouncing on a defensive miscue to unleash a ferocious drive into the top corner, silencing the home faithful and swinging the tie firmly in NEC’s favor.
We advanced to the next round of the FUFA Super 8 on the away goals rule after tying with @ExpressFCUganda on aggregate. In our first encounter, as hosts, Express won narrowly with a 1-0 victory. However, our 2-1 win on Tuesday meant we were tied at 2-2…
— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) September 9, 2025
Express fought back and managed a late consolation through a well-worked move in the 88th minute, but their rally came too late, as NEC dug deep to see out the contest and seal progression.
The victory not only earned NEC a place in the last four but also guaranteed they will avoid finishing in the bottom four positions of the tournament, a fate reserved for teams eliminated at the first hurdle.
Head coach Hussein Mbalangu used the encounter to rotate his squad, introducing new recruits Joseph Dhata, Gideon Odongo, Media, Jarieko, and Ajo in the second half. Midfield stalwart Siraje Ssentamu anchored the engine room alongside Joseph Sseremba, while Kavuma and Paul Mucureezi offered width in a system that continues to take shape ahead of a demanding campaign.
NEC now await a semifinal showdown against either URA FC or Kitara FC, with the single-leg clash scheduled for Saturday under the lights at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo. Kick-off is at 7 PM.
The Lugogo outfit’s ambitions extend beyond the Super 8, as they also gear up for continental duty. Their CAF Confederation Cup journey begins on September 20 with a home tie against Nairobi United at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, marking the club’s debut on the continental stage.
