UPL: Basangwa Strike Secures NEC Victory Over Maroons

By: Geoffrey Mugabi

Richard Basangwa scored the decisive goal as NEC FC edged Maroons FC 1-0 on Saturday evening in the Startimes Uganda Premier League.

The match, played under the floodlights at MTN-Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, was settled by Basangwa’s first-half strike, which proved enough to hand NEC all three points.

NEC dominated proceedings from the start, and their pressure paid off in the 32nd minute when Richard Basangwa clinically finished a well-worked team move to give the hosts the lead.

In the second half, both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Maroons pushing for an equaliser while NEC remained disciplined at the back. However, neither side managed to find the net, and Basangwa’s first-half goal ultimately made the difference.

The result extends NEC’s impressive defensive run, with the Badru Kaddu-coached side now having kept nine consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. They also remain unbeaten in the league in 2026.

The victory lifts NEC to sixth place with 40 points, level with fifth-placed Entebbe UPPC, who hold a superior head-to-head record.

Maroons remain ninth on the table with 29 points as they continue their pursuit of a top-eight finish to secure a place in next season’s FUFA Super 8.

In their next fixtures, NEC will visit Express FC on 21 April, while Maroons will travel to face Mbarara City on the same day.