NEC FC’s first-ever run in the CAF Confederation Cup came to a bitter conclusion on Saturday as they bowed out on the away goals rule following a 1-1 stalemate with Kenya’s Nairobi United at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The Ugandan debutants had entered the second leg needing a result after a 2-2 draw in Kampala last week. They looked well on course when defender Charles Waibi bundled home in the 26th minute, punishing slack defending from the hosts after Geriga Atendele’s trademark long throw unsettled the backline.
With the advantage in hand, NEC pressed for a decisive second. Hussein Mbalangu’s charges dictated much of the play, repeatedly cutting through midfield and carving out chances that should have widened the margin. Yet, wastefulness in front of goal would come back to haunt them.
After the interval, Nairobi United rediscovered their rhythm. Roared on by their fans, the Kenyans poured numbers forward and finally leveled matters midway through the second half. Ovella Ochieng’s driving run and precise pass picked out striker Duncan Omalla, who calmly slotted past Hannington Sebwalunyo to restore parity in the 65th minute.
That strike ultimately settled the tie. With the aggregate locked at 3-3, Nairobi United advanced by virtue of the two goals they had scored in Uganda, leaving NEC to rue a missed opportunity in a contest they had often controlled.
For Mbalangu, it was a cruel exit: his side had shown the ambition and intensity required at this level but lacked the composure to finish off their opponents.
Lineups
Nairobi United: Kevin Odour, Kevin Otiende, John Otieno, Lennox Ogutu, Yusuf Nasri, Bernard Ouma, Lesley Owino, Enock Machaka, Ovella Ochieng, Frank Ouya, Duncan Omalla.
NEC FC: Hannington Sebwalunyo, Jacob Akao, Geriga Atendele, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Charles Waibi, Mustafa Kizza, Shammir Kimwero, Joseph Seremba, Dhata Joseph, Titus Ssematimba, Ronald Innocent.
