Saturday, September 27, 2025 | Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi
(First leg: NEC 2-2 Nairobi United)
NEC FC will step onto the turf of Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi with everything to play for, as they take on Nairobi United in the decisive second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.
The tie is precariously balanced after last week’s first leg thriller at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, which ended in a 2-2 deadlock. Hussein Mbalangu’s charges had one foot on victory until they were cruelly pegged back with virtually the last kick of the game, a sting that NEC must quickly turn into fuel for redemption.
Despite the setback, head coach Mbalangu remains unwavering in belief.
“We were disappointed with the result in the first leg but good enough we didn’t lose the game,” he told reporters. “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.”
Team News & Selection Headaches
Cromwell Rwothomio — the hero of the first leg with a dramatic equalizer — is ruled out through injury, dealing NEC a major blow. Emmanuel Kulanga and James Jarieko are included in the travelling squad but face late fitness tests after sustaining knocks in Nakivubo.
The bigger question remains whether Mbalangu will stick with the youthful exuberance that started last weekend, or lean on experience in this do-or-die tie. Mustafa Kizza, Muzamir Mutyaba, and Paul Mucureezi injected energy and composure when introduced in the first leg, and all three are tipped to earn starting roles in Nairobi.
Probable NEC XI
Ssebwalunyo (GK) ©; Atendele, Kizza, Okao, Bbuule; Sentamu, Kimwero, Ssematimba, Mucureezi, Jarieko, Media.
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