After a pulsating 2-2 draw in the first leg at Hamz Stadium in Uganda, Nairobi United welcome NEC FC to Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, September 27, 2025, for the return leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash. The thrilling stalemate sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown in Nairobi, where everything remains up for grabs.
First Leg Recap: Drama in Nakivubo
The opener was a true continental thriller, with both sides trading blows in a match that showcased resilience and late drama. Nairobi United struck first through Enock Machaka in the first half, capitalizing on a long throw-in by Dan Olouch. The Ugandan Bugoloobi based club responded with grit, equalizing in the 78th minute when Cromwell Rwothomio headed home a precise free-kick from Kizza.
Just when NEC seemed poised for victory, Innocent Media won a penalty in the dying minutes after a handball in the box, which Paul Mucureezi coolly converted to give the hosts a 2-1 lead. However, Nairobi United refused to yield, snatching a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time through Kibwana’s opportunistic finish past advancing goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan.
The result leaves the tie delicately balanced, with Nairobi United’s two away goals giving them a slight edge under the away goals rule.
What’s at Stake?
-For Nairobi United: As hosts, a win of any margin ensures progression. A 0-0 or 1-1 draw would see them advance on away goals, while a 2-2 draw would force extra time and potentially penalties.
-For NEC FC: Victory seals progression, while a 3-3 (or higher-scoring) draw would see us advance on away goals. A low-scoring draw (0-0 or 1-1) would see us eliminated, while a 2-2 draw would send the encounter to penalties, making defensive solidity crucial alongside scoring.
Extra time would only come through if the aggregate ends level (4:4) after 180 minutes, extra time and penalties await.
Team News:
NEC FC named a formidable 23-man squad that travelled to Kenya on Monday for the crucial CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round return leg against Nairobi United at Nyayo Stadium on September 27, 2025. Here are the 23 players who made the trip: Hannington Ssebwalunyo, Atendele Geriga, Kizza Mustafa, Okao Jacob, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Shamiru Kimweru, Charles Waibi, Joseph Seremba, Innocent Media, Titus Ssematimba, Dhata Joseph, Kirya Samson, Benjamin Ochan, Musa Ibrahim, Gedion Odong, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Marvin Kavuma, Paul Mucureezi, James Jarieko, Emmanuel Ajo, Siraje Ssentamu, Emmanuel Kulanga, and Warren Buule.
However, Emmanuel Kulanga (knock), Siraje Ssentamu (fever), and Warren Buule (hamstring) face late fitness tests, as hinted by the head coach
The Head Coach speaks to the media