[Watch] Five-star Express thrash NEC to give Alex Isabirye his first victory

On his third try, Alex Isabirye picked his maiden Uganda Premier League victory as Express FC head coach, albeit in style, as they trumped NEC FC 5-2 at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Thursday.

Braces from Isaac Wagoina and Emmanuel Wasswa, plus one from Steven Ssenfuma, gave the Red Eagles the win in a hugely entertaining game.

Cromwell Rwothomio and an Andrew Kaggwa own-goal were enough for NEC's consolation on the night.

The guests needed to dig deep after going down early in the game to a superbly taken finish from Rwothomio.

They responded in the 16th minute through Wagoina, who capitalized on goalkeeper Ismael Maganda's error to tap from close range.

At the half-hour mark, the seven-time league champions led for the first time in the game through an expert finish from Wasswa after being set by Wagoina.

A minute to the break, Wagoina completed his brace through a well-taken penalty following a foul on Ssenfuma by Shamir Kimwelo.

Deep into the second half, in the 77th minute, Ssenfuma made it four with a close-range finish after brilliant delivery from Eddy Ssebandeke.

Five minutes later, Wasswa hit the fifth from the spot after substitute Sheif Bbatte got fouled in the area.

There was still time for a seventh goal of the match as NEC scored their second through a Kaggwa own-goal, as he turned in a Tony Kiberu header.

With the result, Express moved eighth with 16 points and will host Vipers SC in their final game of the year at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, on December 30.

A day earlier, NEC, who are fifth with 20 points, will host Soltilo Bright Stars FC in Lugogo.