- Nairobi United have progressed to the preliminary second round of the CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26.
- They held NEC FC to a 1-1 draw at Nyayo National Stadium in the second leg of the first preliminary round, advancing on the away goals rule after scoring twice in the first-leg encounter in Uganda.
- They will face the winner of the clash between South Sudan’s Al-Madani and Tunisian giants Étoile du Sahel.
The FKF Cup reigning champions, Nairobi United, narrowly escaped the Ugandan side NEC FC’s threat by securing a 1-1 draw at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday evening, booking their place in the CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 preliminary second round.
Having secured a two-goal advantage in the first leg in Uganda, which ended 2-2, the NaiBois only needed a goalless draw or a 1-1 result to progress on the away goals rule.
They managed to achieve this thanks to Duncan Omalla, who equalized Charles Waibi’s first-half strike and with an aggregate score of 3-3, Nairobi United progresses to the next round.
The opening ten minutes were controlled by the visitors, who created two promising chances but failed to convert. Nairobi United, in contrast, managed only one clear opportunity in the early stages.
After sustained pressure, the dominant NEC side finally broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. Charles Waibi finished expertly from a Geriga Atendele long throw-in from the right, capitalizing on a lapse in the Nairobi United defense to give his team the lead.
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The first half was largely one-sided, with Nairobi United struggling to find their rhythm. The Ugandan team created numerous chances but only managed to convert one, taking a narrow lead into the break.
After the interval, Waibi nearly doubled NEC’s advantage in the 49th minute, but his shot struck the woodwork. Shortly after, a fresh-legged substitute for Nairobi United, Shami Kibwana, had a chance to level the score, only to see his effort sail wide.
The home team energized themselves and found the breakthrough in the 65th minute. Inspired by lively play from Ovella Ochieng on the wing, they earned a chance that fell to Duncan Omalla, who made no mistake, slotting the ball home to equalize.
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The NEC side, coached by Hussein Mbalangu, pushed for a winner with strategic substitutions, but they ultimately could not capitalize on the opportunities they created. The draw proved costly, resulting in their elimination, while Nicholas Muyoti’s defensive-minded squad advanced.
They will now face either South Sudan’s Madani or Tunisian Giants Etoile Sahel in the next round.
Nairobi United vs NEC FC Line-ups
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.