CAF Confederation Cup: NEC FC Concede Late to Draw with Nairobi United

NEC Football Club’s continental debut in the CAF Confederation Cup ended in heartbreak as they conceded a last-gasp equalizer to Nairobi United in a 2-2 draw during the preliminary round first leg played under floodlights at Hamz Stadium, Kampala, on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

The Ugandan representatives looked destined for victory after substitute Paul Mucureezi converted a late penalty in the 90th minute, only for Mwinyi Kibwana to stun the home crowd with a stoppage-time equalizer that left both teams level heading into the second leg in Nairobi next weekend.

First-half: Nairobi United strike first

Despite a dominant start that saw NEC win three corners inside the opening seven minutes, it was the visitors who drew first blood. Against the run of play, Nairobi United’s Enock Machaka found himself unmarked in the 28th minute to tap home a long throw-in from Dancan Oluoch, beating veteran goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan to silence the home fans.

NEC continued to press through efforts from Charles Waibi, James Jarieko, and Joseph Sseremba, but Nairobi United’s defense, marshaled by captain John Onyango and goalkeeper Kevin Odour, held firm. The first stanza also saw Ochan called into action to deny Charo Majaliwa while NEC’s Odongo picked up the only yellow card of the half for a foul on Frank Ouya.

Second-half turnaround

Coach Hussein Mbalangu made bold changes at the restart, introducing Mustafa Kizza and Paul Mucureezi for Odongo and Jarieko. The substitutions paid off as NEC gradually took control of the game. Kizza’s set-piece deliveries troubled the Kenyan defense, while Mucureezi added creativity in midfield.

The pressure finally bore fruit in the 78th minute when Cromwell Rwothomio powered in a header off a well-delivered free-kick from Kizza to restore parity. The momentum swung heavily in NEC’s favor, and their persistence was rewarded when Mucureezi converted a penalty at the stroke of full-time, sparking wild celebrations from the home faithful.

Late heartbreak

Just when NEC thought they had secured a vital first-leg advantage, substitute Mwinyi Kibwana struck deep into stoppage time. Racing onto a high ball behind NEC’s defense, he calmly slotted past the advancing Ochan to level matters at 2-2. The goal was met with jubilant celebrations from the Nairobi United bench and despair from the NEC players and fans, who had already begun to taste victory.

Coaches’ contrasting emotions

NEC head coach Hussein Mbalangu will rue missed chances and a lapse in concentration that cost his side maximum points, while Nairobi United’s Salim Ali Ramadhan Gadhiyaka will be delighted with his team’s resilience and the crucial away goals advantage heading into the return leg.

What next?

With the tie finely poised, the second leg in Nairobi promises to be a high-stakes affair. NEC must avoid defeat to keep their continental hopes alive, while Nairobi United will look to capitalize on home advantage and their two away goals.

Match Summary

Goalscorers:

Nairobi United: Enock Machaka (28’), Mwinyi Kibwana (90+3’) 

NEC FC: Cromwell Rwothomio (78’), Paul Mucureezi (90’, pen.)

Venue: Hamz Stadium, Kampala

Date: Saturday, 20th September 2025

Competition: CAF Confederation Cup, Preliminary Round (First Leg)

Line-ups

NEC FC: Benjamin Ochan (C); Geriga Atendele, Gideon Odongo, Jacob Okao, Warren Buule; Siraje Sentamu, Charles Waibi, Joseph Seremba, James Jarieko, Emmanuel Kulanga, Cromwell Rwothomio.

Subs: Hannington Ssebwalunyo, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Mustafa Kizza, Shamir Kimwero, Paul Mucureezi, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Joseph Dhata, Stephen Lujang, Titus Ssematimba, Ronald Innocent.

Coach: Hussein Mbalangu.

Nairobi United: Kevin Odour; Yusuf Nasri Mainge, John Onyango (C), Frank Ouya, Bernard Ouma; Charo Majaliwa, Kevin Otiende, Lesley Owino, Dancan Oluoch, Lennox Oguttu, Enock Machaka.

Subs: Benard Oyure, Isaac Omoke, Kibwana Mwinyi, Brian Mogire, Prince Buregeya, Michael Karamor, Chris Opondo, Shafic Ssebyala.

Coach: Salim Ali Ramadhan Gadhiyaka.

Match Officials: Referee Teklu Mogos Tsegay (Eritrea); Assistants Hagos Teklegeris Ghebreab and Yohannes Tewelde Gebreslaise (Eritrea); Fourth Official Solomon Okwera Lino Lokudo (South Sudan); Commissioner Sebit Librato Begi Rassa (South Sudan).