CAF Confederation Cup Preliminary Round
- NEC FC 2-2 Nairobi FC
NEC’s continental debut ended in equal parts heartbreak and hope after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer in a thrilling 2–2 draw with Nairobi United during the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round one first leg at Hamz Stadium on Saturday night.
The Bugolobi-based side looked headed for a famous win when substitute Paul Mucureezi calmly buried a 90th-minute penalty, sending the home crowd into wild celebration.
Moments later, however, Mwinyi Kibwana stunned the stadium with a dramatic leveller that left the tie finely balanced ahead of next weekend’s return leg in Nairobi.
The evening had started poorly for NEC. In the 28th minute, a long throw from Dancan Olouch caught the hosts flat-footed, allowing Enock Machaka to steer the ball past veteran goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan.
NEC came alive after the break, pouring forward with intent. Their persistence paid off in the 78th minute when striker Cromwell Rwothomio rose highest to head home a pinpoint free kick from left-back Mustafa Kizza, sparking belief among the home fans.
As the match ticked toward full time, NEC’s relentless pressure forced a handball in the box, giving Mucureezi the chance to put them ahead from the spot.
But with seconds remaining, Kibwana punished a rare lapse in NEC’s back line to snatch a draw for the visitors.
Eritrean referee Teklu Mogos Tsegay soon blew for full time, confirming a result that leaves everything to play for when the sides meet again on Saturday, September 27, in Nairobi. NEC will need a win or a high-scoring draw to advance.
“We made a couple of errors and missed many chances in the first half,” head coach Hussein Mbalangu admitted. “We’re going back to correct those and go again in Nairobi.”
On the introduction of senior players Kizza, Muzamir Mutyaba and Mucureezi in the second half, he added, “We had a plan, and when we executed it, it worked.”
