NEC faces must-win match against Nairobi United to advance in Caf Confederation Cup

Saturday September 27, 2025

• Nyayo stadium, Nairobi [First leg ended 2-2]

Following an evenly contested first leg affair at Hamz stadium, Nakivubo that ended in a 2-2 stalemate last week, NEC play away to Nairobi United on Saturday in the second leg of the preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup.

Hussein Mbalangu’s men must win to advance to the next round after losing a lead with literally the last kick of the game in the reverse fixture.

The hosts could be holding the advantage but Mbalangu is confident his side can get the desired results from Nairobi.

“We were disappointed with the result in the first leg but good enough we didn’t lose the game,” said Mbalangu. “We have to do well in both boxes and if we are clinical, I have belief we can still do to them what they did to us in Kampala,” he added.

Team News

Cromwell Rwothomio, scorer of the equalizing goal in the reverse fixture is out with an injury.

Emmanuel Kulanga and James Jarieko are doubtful after a knock and head injury in the first leg but they are in the squad.

How will NEC line up?

It remains to be seen if Mbalangu and his staff will make massive changes to the starting XI after he fielded inexperienced players last Saturday.

Mustafa Kizza, Muzamir Mutyaba and Paul Mucureezi did well when they came on and are in line for a start.

NEC Probable XI

Ssebwalunyo (GK) ©, Atendele, Kizza, Okao, Bbuule, Sentamu, Kimwero, Ssematimba, Mucureezi, Jarieko, Media,