Nairobi United FC staged a late fightback to secure a 2-2 draw against NEC FC in their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first-leg clash at Hamz Stadium, Kampala. The thrilling encounter, played under the lights, sets up a decisive return leg in Nairobi next week.
The visitors struck first in the 25th minute after patient build-up play. Enock Machaka timed his run perfectly, receiving a neat through ball before calmly slotting past Benjamin Ochan to silence the home crowd. Nairobi United’s defense, marshalled by Lennox Ogutu, then stood strong as NEC pressed for a response. Despite sustained pressure, the Kenyan side took a slender 1-0 lead into halftime.
NEC came out revitalized in the second half, creating chance after chance. Joseph Seremba tested goalkeeper Kevin Oduor with a fierce strike, while substitutes Paul Mucureezi and Travis Ssematimba injected fresh energy. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Cromwell Rwothomio powered home a header from a free kick to bring the Ugandan side level.
The equalizer sparked an intense finale. NEC pressed forward, and their efforts bore fruit in the 89th minute. Innocent Media’s run into the box drew a handball, and the referee pointed to the spot. Mucureezi made no mistake, sending Oduor the wrong way to give NEC a dramatic 2-1 advantage with just minutes left.
However, Nairobi United showed their resilience. Deep into stoppage time, they mounted one final attack. Substitute Shami Kibwana reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area, rifling it into the net to seal a 2-2 draw and send the travelling Kenyan supporters into wild celebrations.
The result leaves the tie finely balanced, with Nairobi United carrying two crucial away goals into the second leg. NEC will feel disappointed to have let victory slip so late but will travel to Nairobi believing they can still finish the job.
Lineups
- NEC FC XI: Benjamin Ochan, Geriga Atendele, Gideon Odong, Jacob Okao, Warren Buule, Siraje Ssentamu, Charles Waibi, Joseph Seremba, Emmanuel Kulanga, Cromwell Rwothomio, James Jarieko.
- Nairobi United XI: Kevin Oduor, Kevin Otiene, John Oteino, Lennox Ogutu, Yusuf Nasri, Benard Ouma, Lesley Owino, Enock Machaka, Majaliwa Charo, Frank Ouya, Dancan Omala.
