NEC FC bounced back to winning form with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Lugazi on Wednesday at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Innocent Media rose highest to head in a precise cross delivered by Joseph Sseremba, securing all three points for the hosts.

NEC deserved the victory and created several promising opportunities earlier in the contest. Emmanuel Kulanga failed to hit the target from range, while Lugazi’s goalkeeper Juma Mutebi produced a series of fine saves to keep his side in the game.

Mutebi was particularly sharp in denying Muzamir Mutyaba from a well-struck free kick and also thwarted Sseremba’s effort after the winger received a pass from Paul Mucureezi.

At the opposite end, Lugazi fashioned a few threats of their own. Derrick Mwanje nearly capitalized on a dangerous delivery from Freedom Mungudit, and Ashraf Mulindi was thwarted by NEC goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan’s intervention.

The result provides much-needed relief for coach Badru Kaddu, whose team had endured a four-match winless streak—including a scoreless stalemate against UPDF—prior to the league’s hiatus for the AFCON break.

NEC were missing Titus Ssematimba and Charles Waibi, both of whom are expected to link up with Mustafa Kizza at Nairobi United in the near future.

For Lugazi, the loss leaves them second from the bottom of the table with just 10 points, marking a disappointing start to life under new coach Simon Peter Mugerwa in his debut match at the helm.

This narrow win for NEC comes amid the resumption of Uganda Premier League action, following a competitive midweek schedule that also includes Thursday’s highly anticipated derby between Express and SC Villa.