Hussein Mbalangu’s NEC FC topped the Uganda Premier League rankings on Wednesday after defeating Soltilo Bright Stars by a narrow 1-0 margin at Nakivubo Stadium. Paul Mucureezi scored the game-winning penalty kick in the second half of the Lugogo match.
Nelson Senkatuka of the Soltilo Bright Stars attempted a penalty kick in the 39th minute, but NEC FC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo stopped it.
Early in the close game, Muzamir Mutyaba came close to giving the home team the lead, but his attempt was denied. Going back Six minutes prior to halftime, Patrick Bayiga gave the visitors a penalty after passing the ball in the forbidden area.
Senkatuka was assigned the assignment, but he couldn’t outrun Ssebwalunyo, the NEC custodian, from a distance. The host team was awarded a penalty with fifteen minutes left in regulation time.
The Soldier Boys now lead with 26 points, two points ahead of second-place Vipers SC, who play BUL FC at Kitende on Saturday, thanks to a goal by Mucureezi. But Ian Mutenda’s Bright Stars sit at the bottom of the league rankings with just six points from 12 games.
