CAF Confederation Cup Preliminary Round One | First Leg
- NEC FC Vs Nairobi United- Hamz Stadium | 7 PM
NEC coach Hussein Mbalangu has urged his players to stay focused as the Bugolobi side makes its continental debut against Kenya’s Nairobi United on Saturday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The preliminary round first leg brings together two newcomers to African competition, but Mbalangu warns there is nothing easy about facing the FKF Cup winners.
“We can’t underrate them because they have a similar path like us,” he said Friday.
“The first goal is to win, and the second is to eliminate them and go as far as possible in this competition.”
NEC qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup by finishing second in the Uganda Premier League after Vipers won the double.
Nairobi United earned their spot by gaining promotion to Kenya’s SportPesa Premier League and stunning Gor Mahia in the cup final.
Though NEC play at home as favourites, Mbalangu views their recent 2–0 FUFA Super 8 loss to SC Villa as valuable preparation.
“It was a good practice game to sharpen us for Saturday,” he noted.
NEC will lean on veterans Muzamir Mutyaba, Siraje Sentamu, Benjamin Ochan, Paul Mucureezi, Mustafa Kiiza and Ibrahim Kiyemba, all experienced in CAF competitions to steady the squad in their first international test.
Kickoff at the refurbished Nakivubo Stadium promises a cool breeze evening atmosphere as NEC chase an early advantage before next week’s return leg in Nairobi.
