CAF Confederation Cup Preview: Nairobi United host Uganda's NEC FC

Sports · Dennis Masinde · September 27, 2025
CAF Confederation Cup Preview: Nairobi United host Uganda's NEC FC
Nairobi United drew with Ugandan outfit NEC in their first leg encounter in Kampala. Second leg in Nairobi this afternoon. PHOTO/Nairobi United
In Summary

For both sides, whoever wins in 90 minutes, qualifies for the next stage of the competition. In the event of a 1-1 draw, Nairobi United will go through by virtue of having scored two away goals in Kampala last weekend. A 2-2 draw will see the match continue to extra time and even maybe penalties if need be. A draw higher than 2-2 will see NEC FC progress to the next round.

In what is expected to be a thrilling encounter, Nairobi United FC, first timers in the CAF Confederation Cup, host Uganda's NEC FC at the Nyayo National Stadium, as they seek a place in the second round of the 2025/26 edition of the competition.

The first leg clash ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw in Kampala last Saturday, and this match is poised to be a cracker, going by the fact that both coaches favour free flowing football.

Kick off is at 4 PM. The math is straightforward.

For both sides, whoever wins in 90 minutes, qualifies for the next stage of the competition. In the event of a 1-1 draw, Nairobi United will go through by virtue of having scored two away goals in Kampala last weekend. A 2-2 draw will see the match continue to extra time and even maybe penalties if need be. A draw higher than 2-2 will see NEC FC progress to the next round.

The winner of the tie will face either Al Ahli Wad Madani of Sudan or Tunisia's Etoile Sahel in the second round. That tie currently sits at 1-0 to the Sudanese ahead of the return leg in Tunisia tonight.

Nairobi United coach Nicholas Muyoti

"We are grateful to God that we were able to pick up a draw in Kampala. We now have to press the advantage at home. We have played them now and we know what they are about. The players have a task to get us over the line. We are hopeful of getting the desired result, here at home.

NEC FC coach Hussein Mbalangu

"NEC FC is proud to be at this stage of the competition and we are happy to be alive. The task is tough because we are away from home, but I feel that we have the team ethic and effort required to win this game. I think we must focus on taking our chances and all will be well.

Players to watch

Nairobi United: Duncan Omala: The young forward impressed last weekend in Kampala and his progression as a teenager is stunning, considering he is just 18 years old. His combination play with the likes of Frank Ouya and Majaliwa Charo.

NEC FC: Paul Mucureezi: The dynamic forward was a threat all day long last weekend in the first leg and got his name on the scoresheet. He will be a vital cog for NEC FC, who finished second in the Ugandan top flight last season

A sizeable crowd is expected at the Nyayo Stadium for the encounter. Tickets are available for purchase at Tikiti.com.

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