Saturday September 20, 2025
- Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 7pm
For the first time in their history, NEC will play in a continental fixture with Nairobi United of Kenya the opponent.
Uganda’s flag bearers in the Caf Confederation Cup courtesy of finishing second in the league behind champions and Uganda Cup winners Vipers take on the Kenyan side at Hamz stadium, Nakivubo under floodlights on Saturday.
Hussein Mbalangu’s men come into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat to SC Villa in the Fufa Super 8 which on the other hand was a good practice game in preparation for the game.
The hosts will be favourites but can’t undermine their opponents who gained promotion to the Sportpesa League and beat giants Gor Mahia to the FKF Cup to earn this slot on the continent.
“We can’t underrate them because they have a similar path like us,” said Mbalangu.
“The first goal is to win and the second goal is to eliminate them and go as far as possible in this competition,” he reiterated.
The Bugolobi based side, earning a continental spot by finishing second in the premier league after Vipers clinched double will hope experienced heads in Muzamir Mutyaba, Siraje Sentamu, Benjamin Ochan, Paul Mucureezi, Mustafa Kiiza and Ibrahim Kiyemba who have previously played on the continent carry the team.
NEC Probable XI
Ssebwalunyo (GK), Atendele, Kiiza, Bbuule, Okao, Sentamu, Sseremba, Mutyaba, Mucureezi, Rwothomio and Dhata.