NEC KNOCK OUT DEFENDING CHAMPIONS VILLA TO REACH FUFA SUPER 8 FINAL
NEC FC dumped defending champions SC Villa out of the FUFA Super 8 with a dramatic 3-1 comeback win yesterday, booking a final date with KCCA FC on Tuesday.
Villa looked in control in the first half. They dominated possession and took the lead through a well-taken header from Najib Yiga, going into the break 1-0 up.
But NEC came out after the break with a different game plan. Tactical tweaks from head coach Badru Kaddu and energetic substitutions flipped the game on its head.
Richard Basangwa was at the heart of the comeback. His pressure forced a Villa goalkeeping error, and he pounced to level the score.
The pressure continued. A corner caused chaos in the Villa box and ended with an own goal to put NEC 2-1 ahead.
With Villa pushing for an equalizer late on, NEC struck the final blow. Innocent Media tapped into an empty net after Villa’s goalkeeper and defenders were caught out, sealing a 3-1 win.
Captain Hanington Sebwalunyo said the win was fueled by lessons from last season, when NEC lost to Villa three times.
“We have a die-hard spirit. We keep fighting until the last minute.”
He credited discipline, faith, and the team’s never-say-die attitude for their form.
Coach Badru Kaddu praised his players for stepping up against a big opponent. He said the substitutions were key and singled out Basangwa as a top talent finally hitting his stride at the club.
Kaddu also praised new signing Lubwama from UPDF, calling him “classy” and exactly the type of player who fits NEC’s identity.
The coach said NEC will prepare for the final with the same seriousness, adding that every game demands its own plan.
What’s next
NEC will face KCCA FC on Tuesday for the FUFA Super 8 title and silverware.
For Villa, the defense of their crown ends in pain. After leading at half-time, they had no answer to NEC’s second-half surge in another dramatic chapter of Uganda’s football calendar.
