Uganda Cup: Odongo, Ssekamate fire NEC into quarterfinals

NEC FC have eliminated Uganda Premier League side Lugazi FC to reach the quarterfinals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.

In a match played under scorching sunshine at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, Gideon Odongo and Samuel Ssekamate each found the net to secure a well-deserved 2-0 victory for NEC over Lugazi.

Just six minutes into the game, defender Gideon Odongo headed home from a well-delivered corner by Hakim Wandera to give the hosts the lead.

Two minutes later, Samuel Ssekamate doubled NEC’s advantage. He calmly controlled the ball inside the six-yard box, beat his marker, and smashed it into the net, capitalising on excellent work and a precise pass from Richard Basangwa.

Before the break, midfielder Tonny Atukunda unleashed a powerful shot, but it was well saved by the goalkeeper.

The Kaddu Badru-coached side went into halftime with a commanding 2-0 lead, putting one foot in the quarterfinals.

In the second half, coach Kaddu made several tactical adjustments, with substitute James Jarieko coming close to scoring twice, including one effort that was cleared off the goal line.

NEC maintained their intensity to secure the 2-0 victory and advance to the quarterfinals for only the second time in the club’s history.

NEC have now beaten Lugazi FC three times this season without conceding a goal, twice in the league and once in the cup.

Notably, the team is on a 13-game unbeaten run across all competitions and has kept 11 clean sheets during that period.

The Uganda Cup Round of 16 continues this evening, with 10-time winners KCCA FC hosting Onduparaka FC at 7 p.m. at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.