Overview:
The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the decisive return leg at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday, September 27. The aggregate winner will progress to the second round of the competition.
CAF CONFEDERATION CUP
FIRST LEG RESULT
Nec 2-2 Nairobi United
SECOND LEG
Saturday, September 27
Nairobi United vs. NEC, 4pm, Nyayo Stadium
NEC FC’s first-ever outing on the continental stage ended in a 2-2 draw against Kenya’s Nairobi United in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Saturday.
The Ugandan debutants started brightly, forcing three corners inside the opening minutes, with Warren Buule and Cromwell Rwothomio going close.
But it was the visitors who struck first. In the 28th minute, Enock Machaka reacted quickest to Dan Olouch’s long throw-in that NEC failed to clear, tapping home from close range to make it 1-0.
Coach Hussein Mbalangu responded with early substitutions, bringing on experienced legs in the second half. The changes paid off as NEC levelled matters in the 78th minute.
Mustafa Kizza delivered a pinpoint free-kick which Rwothomio headed past goalkeeper Kevin Odour to restore parity.
The hosts went ahead late in the contest when Paul Mucureezi converted a penalty after a Nairobi United defender was penalised for handling inside the box, sparking celebrations from the home crowd.
However, the Kenyan side refused to be beaten. Deep into stoppage time, Mwinyi Kibwana latched onto a long ball, outpaced the NEC defence, and calmly slotted beyond Benjamin Ochan to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw.
The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the decisive return leg at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday, September 27. The aggregate winner will progress to the second round of the competition.