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After losing to Vipers SC in their recent UPL encounter, Is NEC’s title race now over?
Following Vipers SC’s comfortable 3-1 win over NEC on Thursday at the St. Mary’s Stadium to pull five points clear at the top of the Uganda Premier League thanks to Allan Okello’s brilliance, the title race might still have a few twists left.
The midfielder was at the heart of everything positive for the Venoms, delivering a pinpoint free-kick assist for Hilary Mukundane, before scoring himself and then playing a key role in the buildup to Isaac Ogwang’s goal—all inside a rampant first half that left NEC chasing shadows.
Paul Mucureezi grabbed a late consolation from the spot for NEC after James Jarieko was brought down in the area, but by then, the damage had long been done.
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05:30 - 18.04.2025
Kenya vs Cameroon: Possible Lineups, Team News, Time and Where to Watch the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Qualifier
Kenya's Rising Stars are 180 minutes away from securing a second-consecutive FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup place, with a 'physical' Cameroon side awaiting them.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News
Despite a more spirited second-half display from the visitors, it proved too little, too late.
With this latest result, Vipers now command the table—but whether the race is truly over remains up for debate.
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Flashbacks and flashpoints
Just a few weeks ago, this title chase looked wide open. A shock defeat for Vipers at the hands of SC Villa had narrowed their lead to just two points, especially after NEC convincingly dispatched Express 3-1.
However, the defending champions restored order with a 1-0 win over Lugazi, while NEC stumbled to a goalless draw against UPDF. It appeared to be curtains—until Express reignited hope by holding Vipers at Nakivubo, and NEC capitalized with a victory over Kitara to trim the gap once again to just two points.
Thursday’s result might have widened the gulf, but with six games still to play—and both sides sharing three common opponents in Mbale Heroes, BUL, and Soltilo Bright Stars—the race may not be done just yet.
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21:10 - 15.04.2025
Government Announces Start Dates for Installation of Screens, Tartan Track and VAR Systems at Kasarani Stadium
Sports CS Salim Mvurya has provided an update on when the remaining renovation works at Kasarani Stadium will be completed before test matches start being held at the venue in June.
Have Vipers stamped and approved their victory?
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For Vipers, matches against Maroons (away), UPDF, Mbale Heroes, BUL, Kitara, and Soltilo Bright Stars remain. Trips to Luzira and Kitara could pose a threat, though the Venoms could have the title wrapped up by the time they face Kitara on May 17 if their current form holds.
NEC, on the other hand, faces a more daunting path. Their away form has been far from convincing, and clashes against Mbarara City, Villa, and URA away from home could be their undoing.
Even their home tie against BUL won’t be a walk in the park, with the latter keen to finish among the top challengers.
NEC must now win all their remaining matches and hope Vipers slip up in at least two.
Remaining Fixtures
Vipers’ Remaining Matches
April 24: Maroons (a)
April 29: UPDF (h)
May 09: Mbale Heroes (h)
May 14: BUL (a)
May 17: Kitara (a)
May 24: Soltilo Bright Stars (h)
NEC’s Remaining Matches
April 25: Mbale Heroes (h)
April 30: Mbarara City (a)
May 09: BUL (h)
May 14: Soltilo Bright Stars (a)
May 17: SC Villa (a)
May 24: URA (h)
Final verdict
With Okello pulling the strings and the Venoms in full flow, many believe it’s a matter of when—not if—Vipers will seal the title.
But football, as ever, has a way of springing surprises. NEC’s fate may no longer be in their hands, but with enough resilience and a little luck, the drama may not be over just yet.
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