NEC FC's 3-1 victory over SC Villa in the FUFA Super 8 was preceded by a touching gesture of respect as the two sides came together to honour the late SC Villa captain.
Before kick-off, NEC FC presented SC Villa with a framed NEC FC jersey bearing an image of the late captain, as a tribute to his contribution to the club and Ugandan football. The gesture was warmly received by the SC Villa camp and set an emotional tone ahead of the encounter.
Once the action got underway, SC Villa took the lead through Najib Yiga, putting NEC FC under early pressure.
IMAGE : NEC Fc captain handing over to Sc Villa defender Arnold odongo
Innocent Media came off the bench to become the hero for NEC FC, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time goal as the side defeated SC Villa 3-1 to reach the FUFA Super 8 final ,he was introduced at the start of the second half alongside Enrique Lubwama, replacing Pius Obuya and Ssenoga Kagawa, as NEC FC looked to respond to SC Villa's advantage.
NEC defender Ibrahim Musa admitted that the early goal caused some panic within the team.
“When the game started and SC Villa scored, we panicked because it was SC Villa. But we had to push hard and see how best we could perform to get to the final,” Musa said.
NEC responded strongly, with Richard Basangwa equalizing in the 56th minute before an own goal four minutes later put them ahead.
Media continued to threaten the SC Villa defense after his introduction. The forward created three chances to score, but remained patient as he searched for his moment and that moment arrived in the 90+3 minute.
IMAGE : Media in celebration
Media calmly converted his final opportunity of the night to make it 3-1 and put the result beyond doubt.
Speaking after the match, Media revealed that remaining consistent and calm helped him deliver in the decisive moment.
“I was consistent and calm. That's how I managed to deliver in the last minutes.”
The goal completed NEC FC's comeback and helped them secure their victory over SC Villa in the Super 8 where they met last year in Super 8 final 2025.
Now, Media and NEC FC turn their attention to the FUFA Super 8 final against KCCA FC on 18 August 2026, where they will be looking to complete their campaign by lifting the trophy.
Media expects a competitive encounter in the final on Tuesday 18th 2026 .
“For the final against KCCA FC, we should expect a great game.”
His late strike was the perfect reward after creating three scoring opportunities. His composure with his final chance ensured NEC FC walked away with a historic victory and a place in the final.
Images : Courtesy of Cabella 1 and Kamira Asha
