NEC FC vs Express FC: No Room for Error as NEC Aims to Keep Title Hopes Alive

Match Details

Fixture: NEC FC vs Express FC

Venue: MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo Date &

Time: Thursday, March 27, 2025 – 7 PM

Matchday: 21

Competition: StarTimes Uganda Premier League

Host Express FC

NEC FC will be under immense pressure to secure all three points when they face Express FC at Lugogo on Thursday night. With just 10 games left in the season, the race for the 2024/25 StarTimes Uganda Premier League title is intensifying, and NEC is determined to stay in the fight.

Vipers SC lead the standings with 49 points after 20 matches, while NEC FC sits second with 44 points. A win against Express FC would see NEC reduce the gap to just two points, at least temporarily, as Vipers SC are set to face SC Villa on Saturday.

Speaking ahead of the match, NEC FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu

emphasized the importance of victory:

“It’s a must-win game. We have to treat every remaining match as a final. Our job is to win our games and pray that Vipers SC falter along the way.”

While Mbalangu remains confident, he acknowledges the challenge ahead, urging his players to maintain focus and intensity in the final stretch of the season.

Team News and Probable Lineups

NEC FC

NEC will be buoyed by the return of their first-choice goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo, who is back from leave and is expected to reclaim his spot between the posts.

Midfield dynamo Enock Ssebagala also returns after national team duty, adding strength to their midfield.

Probable Starting XI: Goalkeeper: Hannington Sebwalunyo Defenders: Geriga Atendele, Jacob Okao, Patrick Bayiga

, Gideon Odongo Midfielders: Shamir Kimwero, Enock Ssebagala, Muzamir Mutyaba Forwards: Marvin Kavuma, Paul Mucureezi, Cromwell Rwothomio

Express FC

Express FC will be without center-back Ngoobi Derrick, who is still undergoing light rehabilitation. However, the rest of the squad is available for selection.

Probable Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Emmanuel Kalyowa Defenders: Emmanuel Wasswa, Joseph Zziwa, Richard Basangwa, Muhamed Kagawa

Midfielders:

Geoffrey Gagganga, Ashraf Mbazira, Saidi Kyeyune

Forwards:

Herbert Achai, Sam Ssenyonjo, Conrad Ssenjogera

Form Guide and What to Expect

NEC FC’s Recent Form Before the international break

NEC FC registered a crucial 3-1 away victory against Maroons, keeping their title aspirations alive. The club has been in fine form, displaying an attacking brand of football that has made them serious contenders for their first-ever Uganda Premier League title.

The return of goalkeeper Sebwalunyo and midfielder Ssebagala provides further reinforcement at a critical juncture. NEC will look to capitalize on Express FC’s recent struggles and ensure they collect maximum points at home.

Express FC’s Recent Form

Express FC is struggling with form, having suffered back-to-back defeats before the international break:

Police FC 2-1 Express

Lugazi FC 1-0 Express

These results saw Express slip to 7th place with 28 points, making this fixture crucial for their hopes of finishing in the top four. However, Express player Emmanuel Alex Wasswa remains upbeat:

“We are ready for the game and have prepared well. We haven’t been performing as expected, but I believe we are now set to bounce back. Express is a big team, and we want to implement the coach’s instructions.”

Head-to-Head Record 2024/25 Season: Express 2-1 NEC (First Leg)2023/24 Season:

NEC 2-5 Express

Express 1-2 NEC

Express FC has had the upper hand in recent meetings, but NEC will be eager to avenge their first-leg loss and improve their record against the Red Eagles.

Key Battles to Watch

Cromwell Rwothomio (NEC) vs Richard Basangwa (Express)

NEC’s talisman Rwothomio will be a major threat, and Express’ backline, led by Basangwa, must be solid to contain him.

Enock Ssebagala (NEC) vs Saidi Kyeyune (Express)

A midfield battle between two creative playmakers, with Ssebagala’s energy matching up against Kyeyune’s experience.

Marvin Kavuma (NEC) vs Emmanuel Wasswa (Express) 

NEC’s attacking movements will depend on Kavuma’s ability to link up play, while Wasswa must marshal Express’ defensive shape.

Match Prediction

NEC FC has everything to play for, and with home advantage at Lugogo, they will be fired up to get maximum points.

Express FC, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back and salvage their campaign.

Prediction: NEC FC 2-1 Express FC

With Vipers SC watching closely ahead of their Saturday fixture against SC Villa, NEC FC will aim to make a strong statement in the title race.

This is a must-watch encounter with high stakes for both teams. Will NEC FC close the gap on Vipers, or will Express FC spoil their title charge?

The battle unfolds at 7 PM at MTN Omondi Stadium!