Uganda Premie League (UPL)
Thursday, October 26; KCCA FC 0-2 NEC FC
Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club (KCCA FC) yet again suffered another defeat in the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League season as NEC FC emerged victorious at Lugogo to make it five losses in a row for the Kasasiro Boys in their worst-ever start of the campaign.
NEC’s forward Cromwell Rwothomio stole the show with an outstanding performance, scoring two goals to secure a 2-0 victory for his team against KCCA under the floodlights at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Thursday.
NEC wasted no time making their mark on the game, with Rwothomio breaking the deadlock in the fourth minute.
He displayed exquisite skill, beating the goalkeeper, Joel Emojong, with a perfectly executed looping shot to give NEC the early lead.
The visitors then made it 2-0 with three minutes to the half-hour mark through a close-range Rwothomio header.
KCCA Woes
The interchanging Brazilian player, Joao Estevez Gabriel, and Angolan trio, Bruno Mfulu, Emilson Gonzaga, and Etienne Katenga, were all relegated to the bench by interim coach Jackson ‘Nelly’ Magera.
This decision seemed to have a profound impact on the dynamics of the game.
The misery continued for KCCA when Usama Arafat, who had been one of their standout performers this season, had to be substituted due to an injury in the 75th minute.
This added to the frustration of the Kasasiro Boys, leaving them with few sparks to ignite their game.
The loss was a significant blow for KCCA, who have now found themselves at the bottom of the Uganda Premier League table.
With five consecutive league defeats, the thirteen-time champions are currently even worse off than strugglers Arua Hill SC, who sit in 15th place. The five defeats include BUL (1-0), Express (2-1), Maroons (2-1), Kitara (3-1) and now NEC.
Meanwhile, interim coach Jackson Magera has called for respective responsibility saying the team can still turn fortunes around if they play in unity.
“We didn’t defend with responsibility and in the offensive, we created chances but didn’t take them,” said Magera who replaced sacked Portuguese tactician Sergio Traguil early this week.
Next Fixtures
In an attempt to turn their fortunes around, KCCA will face fellow bottom-side Arua Hill SC in their next fixture, scheduled for Tuesday next week in Adjumani.
They will be eager to secure a much-needed victory to climb up the ranks and salvage their season.
On the other hand, NEC will look to maintain their impressive form as they prepare to host Gaddafi FC on November 1 at the Lugogo ground.
Sitting comfortably in third place with 12 points, three behind joint leaders Kitara and BUL, NEC will aim to make it 15 points as they continue their bright start to the first-ever UPL season.
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