NEC vs Nairobi United: Preview, Time and Where to Watch as FKF Cup Holders Seek to Make Second Round

Kenya’s CAF Confederation Cup representatives Nairobi United FC will be hoping to extend their fairytale run when they host Uganda’s NEC FC in the preliminary round second leg at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, on Saturday, 21st September 2025.

The first leg in Kampala ended 2-2, with Enock Machaka striking early for Nairobi United before Cromwell Rwothomio and Paul Mucureezi turned the tide for NEC.

 A dramatic late equalizer from Shami Mwinyi rescued the Kenyans, setting up a thrilling return leg.

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Nairobi United, the FKF Cup champions, are the ultimate underdogs-turned-headliners. Their magical domestic cup run featured penalty shootout triumphs over Tusker FC and KCB FC, a 2-1 quarterfinal win against Kakamega Homeboyz, a 3-1 semifinal shootout over Mara Sugar, and culminated in Ezekiel Nyanjiga’s winner against Gor Mahia in the final. They became only the second lower-division side in 18 years (after Sofapaka in 2007) to lift the trophy.

Their opponents, NEC, finished second in the Uganda Premier League and boast seasoned names like Muzamir Mutyaba, Paul Mucureezi, and Siraje Sentamu, making them a formidable challenge despite squandering their lead in the first leg.

Kick-off is set for 1600hrs EAT on Saturday, 21st September 2025 at Nyayo Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on Azam TV, with additional live updates available across social media platforms. A big turnout is expected as Nairobi United fans rally behind their history-making team.

Nairobi United (Probable XI): Oduor, Otiende, Oteino, Ogutu, Nasri, Ouma, Owino, Machaka, Charo, Ouya, Omala.

NEC (Probable XI): Ssebwalunyo (GK) ©, Atendele, Kizza, Okao, Bbuule, Sentamu, Mutyaba, Mucureezi, Rwothomio, Ssematimba, Media.

With a place in the next round — against either Al Ahli Madani (Sudan) or ES Sportive (Tunisia) — at stake, both teams will need nothing short of their best performance.