Uganda's NEC FC arrived safely in Nairobi Wednesday, to begin preparations for Saturday's crucial CAF Confederations Cup first round preliminary leg clash versus Kenya's Nairobi United.
The Ugandan team, will take on their Kenyan counterparts in the second leg clash at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi Saturday, with the first leg having ended in a 2-2 draw at the Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala last weekend.
The Ugandan side has set up camp in Nairobi's South C area where they have easy access to the main venue, the Nyayo National Stadium venue for the weekend match. They will make use of the Police Sacco grounds for training as well as other available venues.
"We arrived safely in Kenya's capital city Nairobi ahead of the return leg fixture on Saturday, a statement from NEC read.
All factors considered, it should make for an interesting encounter on Saturday going by the manner in which the first leg ended.
Interesting first leg
Nairobi United will be grateful to Shami Kibwana as his late heroics earned them a valuable draw in Kampala, to bring back home to Nairobi for the return leg. The visitors struck first last weekend, capitalizing on a long throw-in by Dan Olouch, with Enock Machaka tapping home to break the deadlock. It ended 1-0 in Nairobi United's favour at half time.
The second half was also one way traffic, with the home side seeking an equalizer. After periods of sustained pressure, the breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute when Cromwell 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's pass was handballed by Nairobi United to concede a penalty late on. Paul 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 the advancing Benjamin Ochan.
What next?
With the two all draw, it means NEC FC must win in Nairobi on Saturday or achieve a draw of more than two goals; 3:3 and above to progress outright. If the game in Nairobi ends in two all draw, there shall be extra time, and if the extra time ends still in a two all draw, spot kicks shall determine the winner.
