KCCA face NEC in five key battles for the Fufa Super 8 final

KCCA sit second in the Uganda Premier League with 62 points from 30 matches, while NEC prepare to meet them in Tuesday’s Fufa Super 8 final at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. KCCA have won 19 league games, drawn five and lost six, and are unbeaten in their last five matches.

The final offers KCCA a chance to claim their first trophy since 2019, while NEC are seeking their first piece of silverware. KCCA’s recent run includes wins over Mbarara City, UPDF and Maroons, alongside draws against URA and Vipers. The form gives them a strong platform, but the final will be shaped by several direct contests.

KCCA’s Charles Lwanga and Said Mayanja will be tested by NEC’s Warren Bbule and Daniel Shabene. Lwanga has scored in both legs of KCCA’s tie against BUL and, together with Mayanja, leads the club’s scoring in this competition with two goals each. Shabene is expected to operate in front of the NEC defence, where his positioning could limit the pair’s influence, with Bbule also tasked with containing them.

The right flank should bring another important contest between KCCA’s Nana and NEC left-back Hakim Wandera. Nana has impressed with his speed and ability in the tournament, although his delivery has not always matched his work in possession. Wandera combines defensive discipline with forward runs, as shown against SC Villa, and will look to prevent Nana from turning that threat into chances.

NEC’s Basangwa presents a different problem for KCCA’s back line. His left foot, pace and power have made him a consistent danger, and he has scored in every game during his current run. If he attacks from the left, veteran defender Achai is likely to face him; a central role would instead bring Basangwa up against Filbert Obenchan. Basangwa’s preference for cutting inside could make that duel especially significant.

The midfield battle is likely to centre on KCCA’s Brian Jjara against NEC’s Joseph Sseremba. Jjara is expected to play alongside Yunus Sibira, with Mayanja also contributing, while Sseremba should operate beside Pius Obuya and Shabene in NEC’s midfield diamond. Sseremba’s energy and ability to carry the ball through the match could challenge KCCA’s control in the middle.

The final coaching contest pits NEC’s Badru Kaddu against KCCA’s Ssenyondo. Kaddu has built NEC’s progress after his work with Express, while Ssenyondo has managed independently at Synergy, UPDF, Mbarara City and Kitara, as well as with a national under-age team. Their decisions could determine whether KCCA end their wait or NEC win their first trophy.