NEC and Nairobi United Share Spoils in Epic 2-2 CAF Confederation Clash.
CAF Confederation Cup (Preliminary round) | 1st Leg:
- NEC (Uganda) 2-2 Nairobi United (Kenya).
Hosts NEC Football Club staged a dramatic comeback from 1-0 down at halftime to a 2-1 lead in added minutes but were denied maximum points when the visitors levelled with a superb finish when seconds were left on the clock for the game to end 2-2 on Saturday night at HAMZ Stadium.
The pulsating encounter left fans of both NEC FC and Nairobi United eagerly awaiting the decisive CAF confederation cup return leg match.
The match got off to a lightning-fast start, with both teams attacking and creating chances, but the visitors silenced the home crowd with Enock Machaka close range strike in the 28th minute.
Electric-man Paul Mucurezi that had come on as a half time substitute along with Mustafa Kizza for injured James Jarieko and Gideon Odongo respectively, took the responsibility of the penalty after a handball in the area he well converted to give the hosts a 2-1 lead on the 90th minute mark.
However, NEC FC were denied maximum points with Mwinyi Kibwana finding the late equaliser in added minutes to the end of the match.
Cromwell Rwothomio and defender Warren Buule had quick attempts for the hosts in the early minutes of the game but couldn’t beat Nairobi United defence that looked so solid.
Young star Waibi, midfielder Seremba and Jarieko also got first half opportunities to find the back of the net but Nairobi United goalkeeper Kevin Odur was up for task for two occasions and Seremba effort went wide.
Coach Mbalangu had to make a tactical switch in the 37th minute, replacing Joseph Seremba with Titus Ssematimba, then later experienced midfielder Mutyaba Muzamiru was introduced at the expense of Emmanuel Kulanga.
Ugandan representatives NEC will visit Nairobi United on Saturday 27-09-2025 at Nyayo Stadium in a must win game to progress to the next round or get any draw starting from 3-3 and above.
A 2-2 draw will mean, the fate between two teams will be decided by extra time, and if the extra time ends in still 2 all draw, spot kicks will decide who will progress.
NEC FC XI
Benjamin Ochan (G.K, Captain), Geriga Atendele, Gideon Odongo, Jacob Okao, Warren Buule, Siraje Sentamu, Charles Waibi, Joseph Seremba, James Jarieko, Emmanuel Kulanga, Cromwel Rwothomio
Substitutes
Hannington Ssebwalunyo (G.K), Ibrahim Kiyemba, Mustafa Kizza, Shamir Kimwero, Paul Mucureezi, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Joseph Dhata Stephen Lujang, Titus Ssematimba, Ronald Media Innocent
Head Coach
Hussein Mbalangu
Nairobi United XI
Kevin Odour (G.K), Yusuf Nasri Mainge, John Onyango (Captain), Frank Ouya, Bernard Ouma, Charo Majaliwa, Kevin Otiende, Lesley Owino, Dancan Oluoch, Lennox Ogutu, Enock Machaka
Substitutes
Benard Oyure (G.K), Isaac Omoke, Kibwana Mwinyi, Brian Mogire, Prince Buregeya, Michael Karamor, Chris Opondo, Shafic Ssebyala
Head coach
Salim Ali Ramadhan Gadhiyaka
Match officials:
Referee: Teklu Mogos Tsegay (Eritrea)
1st Assistant Referee: Hagos Teklegeris Ghebreab (Eritrea)
2nd Assistant Referee: Yohannes Tewelde Gebreslaise (Eritrea)
Fourth official: Solomon Okwera Lino Lokudo (South Sudan)
Commissioner: Sebit Librato Begi Rassa (South Sudan)