STARTIMES UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE

THE MATCH RESULT

NEC FC 1–1 Vipers SC

20’ Mustapha Kizza (P) — NEC

50’ Milton Karisa — Vipers

NEC FC and Vipers SC produced an absorbing 1–1 draw on Friday evening at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo –  a contest defined by early aggression, tactical shifts, and brave defensive stands from both sides.

Fast Start, Early Warning Signs

The game burst into life almost immediately. Inside the opening minutes, Innocent Media slipped through NEC’s lines and let fly with a sharp low drive that seemed destined for the far corner. But Vipers goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza, fully alert, flung himself across goal and pushed the ball behind — a save that set the tone for his busy evening.

NEC, however, kept their foot on the pedal. Their pressure paid off in the 20th minute when Livingstone Mulondo brought down the slippery Media inside the box.

The referee pointed straight to the spot, and Mustapha Kizza stepped up with calm authority, sending Mudekereza the wrong way for 1–0.

Media remained NEC’s livewire. In the 35th minute, he once again danced away from his marker on the right channel and rifled a powerful strike on target, only to be denied by another sharp stop from the Vipers keeper Mudekereza.

Second-Half Spark, Swift Response

Vipers were forced into a reshuffle in the 43rd minute when midfielder Taddeo Lwanga limped off, paving the way for captain Milton Karisa. It took him just five minutes after the restart to make an impact.

Mulondo rose to flick on a lofted ball inside the box, and Karisa reacted quickest, thumping home the equalizer in the 50th minute. The finish was ruthless. The celebration from the travelling fans — emphatic.

End-to-End Finish, No Winner

The tempo stayed high as Vipers pushed for a late winner, with Karisa and his fellow Venoms pushing for the decider.NEC, disciplined and organized, held firm, repeatedly shutting down promising channels and refusing to buckle under pressure.

In the end, the contest remained finely balanced, with both teams settling for a point in a match that could easily have swung either way.

Implications & Standings

The draw keeps Vipers SC on top of the Uganda Premier League table with 17 points from seven games, maintaining their unbeaten start to the campaign.

NEC’s gritty performance lifts them to 11 points from nine matches, sitting mid-table but very much in touch with the chasing pack.

What’s Next

Vipers will look to sharpen their cutting edge as they prepare for a congested run of fixtures, while NEC will take confidence from a spirited showing against the league leaders.