Categorical FC pissed off NEC FC with a disciplined defensive show to safe a goalless draw within the Uganda Premier League at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Thursday.
The Pink Eagles stood agency towards a decided NEC aspect that created a number of promising alternatives however lacked the crowning glory to show their efforts into objectives.
Each goalkeepers performed essential roles in conserving the competition degree, with Mathias Kigonya and Hannington Ssebwalunyo producing essential saves as the 2 sides settled for a share of the spoils.
NEC threatened first within the eleventh minute when Allan Mugalu rose to fulfill Gideon Odongo’s nook, just for Kigonya to react sharply and deny the ahead.
Categorical responded seven minutes later via Isaac Wagoina, who broke via on aim however allowed Ssebwalunyo to shut him down after a heavy first contact.
The guests progressively grew into the sport, utilizing affected person passing and fast attacking combos to bother the hosts. Wagoina later delivered a harmful cross for Abas Muluya, whose volley sailed over the crossbar.
Categorical got here shut once more earlier than the break when Steven Yiga minimize inside from the appropriate and unleashed a shot that Ssebwalunyo pushed away.
NEC additionally had alternatives of their very own, with Richard Basangwa testing Kigonya from distance, however neither aspect may discover a breakthrough earlier than half-time.
The hosts returned from the interval with renewed urgency. Kigonya produced one of many recreation’s standout moments by denying Mugalu, who tried an acrobatic bicycle kick contained in the penalty space.
NEC continued to push ahead, with James Jarieko heading Odongo’s free-kick over the crossbar shortly after the restart.
Nonetheless, Categorical remained organised on the again, with Duncan Sseninde significantly efficient in limiting Basangwa’s affect.
The guests additionally had a golden alternative to grab victory when Yiga delivered a harmful ball into the field for Muluya, who didn’t convert regardless of discovering himself in a promising place.
Each coaches made adjustments in the hunt for a winner, however the substitutions failed to supply the decisive second.
NEC elevated the strain within the closing phases, but Categorical held their defensive form to face up to the late assaults and depart Lugogo with a worthwhile level.
The outcome leaves NEC second within the standings with 11 factors from 5 matches, degree on factors with SC Villa however forward on aim distinction. Categorical transfer to 5 factors and sit twelfth.
NEC will subsequent journey to face Kigezi HomeBoyz on October 14, whereas Categorical host UPDF at Hamz Stadium on October 15 as each groups flip their consideration to their subsequent league assignments.
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