NEC FC vs Nairobi United: Historic CAF Confederation Cup Debuts in East African Derby

A Historic Night for NEC FC

Football history beckons in Kampala tonight as NEC FC make their long-awaited continental debut in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. The Bugoloobi-based side, runners-up in last season’s StarTimes Uganda Premier League, welcome Kenyan cup winners Nairobi United in what promises to be a fierce East African derby under the lights at the refurbished Hamz Stadium.

For NEC, this match is more than just a fixture—it represents the club’s first step onto Africa’s grand stage, a chance to showcase their ambition and to send a message that their rise in Ugandan football is no fluke. With the return leg set for September 27 in Nairobi, Head Coach Hussein Mbalangu knows the importance of seizing a strong first-leg advantage.

NEC FC’s Journey: Momentum from the Super 8

NEC’s qualification was earned through grit and consistency. Their second-place league finish, just two points behind champions Vipers SC, earned them Uganda’s Confederation Cup slot. But it was their spirited campaign in the 2025 FUFA Super 8 that sharpened them for this continental challenge.

Quarterfinals: NEC edged Express FC 2-2 on aggregate, clinching a crucial 2-1 win at Hamz Stadium with goals from Kulanga and Kavuma, overturning a first-leg deficit.

Semifinals: Against URA FC, NEC held firm in a bruising 0-0 stalemate before veteran goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan inspired a 4-3 penalty shootout triumph at MTN Omondi Stadium.

Final: NEC faced record champions SC Villa at FUFA Technical Centre, Kadiba. Despite a 2-0 defeat, the experience was invaluable, testing their resilience and squad depth in a competitive environment.

Coach Mbalangu has emphasized that the Super 8 not only toughened his players but also refined their tactical discipline and mental strength. NEC enter this clash with a fully fit squad and high spirits, buoyed by the belief that they can transition their domestic resilience onto the continental stage.

Nairobi United: Kenya’s Fairy-Tale Cup Kings

If NEC’s story is one of steady growth, Nairobi United’s rise is nothing short of a fairytale. The team, competing in Kenya’s National Super League (second tier), shocked the nation by lifting the 2024/25 Mozzart Bet FKF Cup, sealing their first-ever continental ticket.

Their cup run was the stuff of dreams:

Stunned top-flight giants Tusker FC and KCB FC via penalty shootouts.

Overcame Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

Outlasted Mara Sugar in a 3-1 semifinal penalty victory.

Crowned champions with a famous 1-0 win over Gor Mahia in the final at Nyayo National Stadium, courtesy of Ezekiel Nyanjiga’s decisive strike.

By becoming only the second lower-division side in nearly two decades to win Kenya’s premier cup competition, Nairobi United have already cemented their place in football folklore. Tonight, they look to extend their miracle story beyond Kenya’s borders.

Key Factors to Watch

Home Advantage: NEC will look to feed off the energy of the Kampala crowd at Hamz Stadium, where they have already built strong momentum during the Super 8.

Continental Pressure: Both sides are debutants in CAF competitions—who will manage the nerves better?

Tactical Discipline: NEC’s organized defense, marshalled by Ochan, will need to contain Nairobi’s pacey forwards.

Mentality Clash: Nairobi United thrive as underdogs, while NEC carry the weight of expectation as Uganda’s representatives.

What’s at Stake

Beyond the quest for a place in the next round, tonight’s match is about pride, identity, and visibility. For NEC, it’s a chance to announce themselves on the African stage. For Nairobi United, it’s about proving that their fairy-tale run was not a one-off.

The return leg in Nairobi looms, but under the lights in Kampala, the first chapter of this East African clash of debutants will be written. 

Kickoff: 7:00 PM EAT at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo 

Second Leg: September 27, 2025 – Nairobi