Nairobi United Snatch Dramatic Late Equalizer as CAF Confederation Cup Tie Ends Level with NEC

Nairobi United FC produced late drama on Saturday night to earn a 2-2 draw against NEC FC in a thrilling first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash in Kampala.

The match was staged at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, Kampala, with kickoff under the lights at 7pm EAT.

NEC, roared on by their home fans, started brightly, with Siraje Ssentamu and Charles Waibi driving the midfield and looking to set the tone early.

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Despite their promising start, the hosts fell behind in the 25th minute when Nairobi United’s patient build-up play through the middle paid off when Enock Machaka latched onto a neat pass and calmly slotted past Benjamin Ochan to put the visitors ahead.

NEC responded by pushing forward, with Cromwell Rwothomio and James Jarieko combining well to test Nairobi United’s defense, but Lennox Ogutu was a rock at the back, ensuring goalkeeper Kevin Oduor stayed largely untroubled in the first half.

Six minutes of additional time were added, but NEC could not level the score before the break, as the Kenyan side took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The second half saw NEC pile on the pressure, with Joseph Seremba stinging the palms of Oduor from distance. Coach’s substitutions added fresh energy, with Mucureezi and Ssematimba pushing hard for an equalizer.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 80th minute. NEC were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area, and Cromwell Rwothomio rose highest to power home a header past Oduor, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.

The late goal gave NEC the momentum in the final minutes, as they pressed forward looking for a winner.

Nairobi United, though, held firm in defense and even looked threatening on the counter through Majaliwa Charo and Frank Ouya. Both sides traded attacks in a frantic closing spell, but neither could find a decisive goal.

Just as it seemed the game would end in a draw, late drama unfolded in the 89th minute as Innocent Media’s relentless pressure forced a handball inside the box.

The referee pointed to the spot, and Paul Mucureezi stepped up with nerves of steel, sending Kevin Oduor the wrong way to give NEC a dramatic lead.

But the drama was notdone. Deep into stoppage time, Nairobi United mounted one final attack. Substitute Shami Kibwana latched onto a loose ball in the area and smashed it past Ochan to make it 2-2, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling Kenyan supporters.

The referee’s final whistle confirmed an entertaining draw, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Nairobi.

Nairobi United will take confidence from their fighting spirit and crucial away goals, while NEC will rue letting victory slip so late but will look to regroup for the decisive second leg.

NEC FC  Starting XI:Benjamin Ochan (GK), Geriga Atendele, Gideon Odong, Jacob Okao, Warren Buule, Siraje Ssentamu, Charles Waibi, Joseph Seremba, Emmanuel Kulanga, Cromwell Rwothomio, James Jarieko

Subs: Ssebalwanyi, Dhata, Kizza, Kiyemba, Kimwero, Mucureezi, Ssematimba, Mutyaba

Nairobi United FC Starting XI: Kevin Oduor, Kevin Otiene, John Oteino, Lennox Ogutu, Yusuf Nasri, Benard Ouma, Lesley Owino, Enock Machaka, Majaliwa Charo, Frank Ouya, Dancan Omala

Subs: Jairo, Buregeya, Omweri, Shafic, Shami, Opondo, Karamor, Magare, Bichok