CAF Confederation Cup: Nairobi Stars Deny NEC First Leg advantage

By: Haba Plan 

Uganda’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, National Enterprise Cooperation (NEC), were denied a vital home victory after conceding a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Nairobi United on Saturday, 20th September 2025, at Hamz Stadium in Kampala.

Despite playing under floodlights before a modest crowd, the visitors from Kenya showed early intent and went ahead in the first half. A long throw-in from Dan Olouch was poorly dealt with by NEC’s defense, allowing Enock Machaka to slot home from close range and hand Nairobi United a 1-0 halftime lead.

NEC responded strongly after the break, with head coach tweaking his side through key substitutions. Kizza and Paul Mucureezi replaced Odongo and Jarieko, immediately injecting fresh energy into the attack. The hosts eventually leveled matters in the 78th minute when Cromwell Rwothomio rose highest to head in Kizza’s pinpoint free kick, sending the home fans into jubilation.

The momentum swung firmly in NEC’s favor, and ten minutes later, veteran midfielder Muzamiru Mutyaba was introduced to steady the midfield. Soon after, the breakthrough came when Nairobi United’s Innocent Media handled the ball inside the box. Mucureezi stepped up confidently to convert the penalty, giving NEC a 2-1 advantage and sparking wild celebrations.

But the celebrations were cut short deep into stoppage time. A moment of defensive lapse allowed Nairobi United’s Kibwana to react quickest to a loose ball, firing past Benjamin Ochan to salvage a 2-2 draw for the visitors.

The result means NEC must now seek victory away in Nairobi in the decisive return leg if they are to keep their continental dream alive.