NEC’s continental debut ends in heartbreak as Nairobi United advances

Result

• Nairobi United 1-1 NEC [Agg: 3-3 – Nairobi United through on away goals rule)

NEC’s journey in the Caf Confederation Cup stopped at the preliminary round following elimination by Nairobi United of Kenya on away goals rule.

The Uganda flag bearers drew 1-1 with the hosts at Nyayo stadium to make the aggregate 3-3 following a 2-2 draw in Kampala last week.

Charles Waibi put Hussein Mbalangu’s men in front at halftime with a well taken goal after the hosts failed to clear their lines.

But like it was in Kampala seven days ago, NEC failed to hold on to the lead conceding a leveller in the 65^th minute through Duncan Omala goal.

Mbalangu made seven changes in the starting XI with Joseph Dhata, Mustafa Kizza, Hanning Ssebwalunyo, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Innocent Media, Shamir Kimwero and Titus Ssematimba but despite a good show, they failed to break a resilient Nairobi United side.

In the end, the Bugolobi based side, on their continental debut will rue the first leg clash in which they missed several good chances and also let in avoidable goals.

Nairobi United, also debutants on the continent will now face Tunisia’s Etoile Du Sahel in the first round with the aggregate winner qualifying for the lucrative group stages.

NEC Line up:

Ssebwalunyo (GK), Atendele, Kiyemba ©, Okao, Kizza (Odongo 66’), Kimwero, Sseremba, Dhata (Mucureezi 66’), Ssematimba, Waibi (Kavuma 76’), Media

Unused substitutes

Ochan (GK), Kiirya (GK), Mutyaba, Jarieko, Ajo