NEC FC Set for Historic Continental Debut Against Nairobi United in CAF Confederation Cup
The Lugogo-based outfit, who enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 domestic campaign that saw them finish second in the Uganda Premier League, will represent Uganda in Africa’s second-tier club competition for the very first time. Their debut comes with a mouth-watering East African clash against Kenyan side Nairobi United FC in the First Preliminary Round. The tie pits two ambitious East African clubs against each other in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Ugandan Premier League side NEC FC is gearing up for one of the biggest moments in its young history as the club prepares to make its maiden appearance on the continental stage in the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
The Lugogo-based outfit, who enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 domestic campaign that saw them finish second in the Uganda Premier League, will represent Uganda in Africa’s second-tier club competition for the very first time. Their debut comes with a mouth-watering East African clash against Kenyan side Nairobi United FC in the First Preliminary Round.
The tie pits two ambitious East African clubs against each other in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter. NEC will host the first leg in Uganda between 19–21 September 2025 before traveling to Kenya for the decisive return leg scheduled for 26–28 September 2025.
Head Coach Hussein Mbalangu and club officials are already rallying the fans to turn up in large numbers at the MTN Omondi Stadium to create a formidable home atmosphere for the historic fixture.
The stakes are high, as the winner of this tie will advance to the Second Preliminary Round to face either Sudanese giants Al Ahli Madani or Tunisian heavyweights Etoile du Sahel — both seasoned clubs with significant continental experience.
The Second Preliminary Round will take place between 17–26 October 2025, with victorious teams earning a coveted place in the lucrative Group Stage, which kicks off on 21 November 2025. From there, clubs will battle for a place in the knockout phase, starting on 13 March 2026.
NEC’s rise to the continental stage has been nothing short of impressive. Just a few seasons ago, the club was competing in the lower tiers of Ugandan football. Now, under the stewardship of a determined management team and a hardworking squad, they have become a force to reckon with both domestically and — potentially — continentally.
Club captain and several senior players have expressed excitement about testing themselves against some of the best in Africa, while also acknowledging the need for tactical discipline, mental strength, and clinical finishing to make an impact.
For Ugandan football fans, NEC’s debut offers another opportunity to showcase the country’s talent and competitive spirit on the African stage. With Vipers SC and KCCA FC having carried the country’s flag in previous CAF competitions, NEC now joins the list of Ugandan sides seeking to make their mark against well-established continental opponents.
The club’s management has already begun mobilizing resources to ensure smooth logistics, including travel arrangements, training schedules, and player welfare ahead of this crucial double-legged affair.
Should NEC progress past Nairobi United, the challenge will intensify against either Al Ahli Madani or Etoile du Sahel — both known for their passionate fan bases and challenging away atmospheres. But for now, all focus remains on the Kenyan test, which could set the tone for NEC’s entire continental campaign.
With the countdown officially on, Ugandan football enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see if NEC FC can write a glorious first chapter in their African football journey.
