What happened:
Our continental adventure kicked off with a 2-2 draw against Nairobi United FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Preliminary Round
How it happened:
We started the game strongly, looking dangerous and pressuring Nairobi United. In the 4th minute, Odongo’s cross was blocked, leading to a corner. Emmanuel Kulanga delivered, but the ball was kept out, earning another corner. From the second corner, Cromwell’s header was pushed out for a third corner, and Warren Buule’s attempt was cleared off the goal line by Nairobi United’s captain, John Onyango.
The visitors gained momentum as the game grew and looked to capitalize on counter attacks, with Charo Majaliwa charging down the right flank and unleashing a fierce left-footed shot that narrowly missed Benjamin Ochan’s goal.
About 15 minutes into the game, Joseph Sseremba fired off-target inside the goal area, signalling our persistent threat. Moments later, the dribbling James Jarieko tried his luck from 35 yards, but his shot sailed over.
In the 22nd minute, Charles Waibi from outside the box area tested Nairobi United’s goalkeeper Kevin Odour, who stood firm. Jarieko followed with a tame chip that Odour easily collected. Warren Buule heading but out after a delivery into Nairobi United’s box by Geriga Atendele.
The visitors struck first, capitalizing on a long throw-in by Dan Olouch and our failure to clear the ball out of danger. The ball found its way into the goal area, where Enock Machaka tapped it home to break the deadlock. Jarieko James had to be attended to by our medical team after collision that saw him continue bravely with a bandage on the head.
Coach Mbalangu had to make a tactical switch in the 37th minute, replacing Joseph Seremba with Titus Ssematimba to inject fresh energy. As the first half wound down, Odongo’s corner was well-defended by Lennox Oguttu, and goalkeeper Odour thwarted another Waibi effort. The half ended with a caution for Odongo after a robust challenge on Nairobi United’s forward Frank Ouya.
The second half saw NEC return with renewed vigour, introducing Kizza and Paul Mucureezi for Odongo and Jarieko. Nairobi United responded with Majaliwa testing our goalkeeper Ochan early in the final stanza. NEC hit back swiftly, though Buule’s shot veered off-target. The visitors made a change in the 57th minute, replacing Majaliwa with Isaac Omoke, while we brought on Ronald Innocent for Kulanga to bolster the attack.
On the hour mark, Kizza’s free-kick was well-defended by Nairobi United, but we were pressuring unrelentingly. Yusuf Nasri Mainge earned a caution for fouling Kizza, but the resulting free-kick led to a corner. Mucureezi’s delivery found Buule, whose header sailed over. Innocent Media, wining and protecting the ball, was fouled and a freekick was awarded. This is when the breakthrough came in the 78th minute when Rwothomio rose highest to head in Kizza’s pinpoint free-kick, leveling the score at 1-1 and igniting the Hamz Stadium crowd.
With ten minutes remaining, veteran midfielder Muzamiru Mutyaba replaced Emmanuel Kulanga to add experience to NEC’s push for a winner. The pressure paid dividends as Innocent Media was once again the man controlling the ball before it was handballed by Nairobi United to concede a penalty late on. Mucureezi calmly converted a penalty to give NEC a 2-1 lead, sparking wild celebrations. However, Nairobi United had the last word. In the final moments, Kibwana pounced to score a dramatic equalizer, against advancing Benjamin Ochan.
What it means:
With a 2 all draw, it means we must win in Nairobi on Saturday or put the game into a draw of more than two goals; 3:3 and above. If the game in Nairobi ends in 2 all draw, we shall play extra time, and if the extra time ends in still 2 all draw, spot kicks shall determine the winner.
What next:
We visit Nairobi United on Saturday 27-09-2025 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi for the return leg to determine who progresses to the next second round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Team News:
Starting XI in our debut CAF Confederation Cup against Nairobi United