CAFCC: Late drama sees Nairobi United secure vital draw against NEC FC

FKF Premier League newbies Nairobi United staged a spirited comeback to secure a 2-2 draw in their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round match against Ugandan outfit NEC FC.

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The highly anticipated clash was staged on Saturday, 20 September at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo from 1900 hrs.

Naibois qualified for the competition courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Gor Mahia in last season’s Mozzart Bet Cup final, securing a maiden appearance in the continental inter-club competition.

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The home side started the match on a high and had already secured three corner kicks by the sixth minute, but with nothing on the score sheet to show for it.

Naibois made their first attempt at goal in the 22nd minute, but Charo Majaliwa’s left-foot shot off the right wing went off target, and so was Joseph Sseremba’s attempt a minute later for the hosts.

The game's first shot on target was registered in the 22nd minute courtesy of Charles Waibi, but Kavin Oduor in the Naibois goal dealt with it comfortably.

By the 25th minute, the Nicholas Muyoti-coached side was growing into the game and having a little more possession of the ball.

Duncan Omalla had a chance to put the Kenyan side in front but shot wide on the break in the 27th minute.

Naibois were not to be denied a minute later when Omalla took a long throw that found Enock Machaka unmarked in the box to put the ball past former AFC Leopards goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan in the NEC goal.

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Sserumba suffered an injury in the 39th minute and was replaced by Titus Ssematimba as the visitors resorted to protecting their lead, which they took to half-time.

In the second half, a miscommunication between Ochan and Jacob Okao almost gave Naibois an early opportunity to double the lead, but the former recovered quickly to prevent danger.

Majaliwa’s 50th-minute shot was parried away by Ochan, while Warren Buule’s attempted shot for NEC seven minutes later went wide.

As the game continued past the 70th-minute mark, NEC intensified their attacks in the opposition half, but Nairobi's defense, marshalled by Lennox Ogutu, stood tall to prevent any harm.

However, the home side's efforts paid off in the 78th minute when Cromwel Rwothomio rose high to head Mustafa Kizza’s free kick into the net to level the score.

Buoyed by the equaliser, the home side intensified their attacks while Naibois resorted to protecting the scoreline and hitting on the counter to provide a tense and electrifying end to the game.

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At the stroke of the 90th minute mark, NEC were awarded a penalty, which second-half substitute Paul Mucureezi stepped up and put past Oduor, giving the home side a lead for the first time in the match.

The referee signalled two minutes of added time, which were enough for another late drama in the game.

A long ball from the Naibois defense found Shami Kibwana, who connected first time to fire past the onrushing Ochan to secure a vital draw for the visitors with the last attack of the match.

The two teams will meet for the second leg on Saturday, 27 September at the Nyayo National Stadium from 1600 hrs.

In a match played earlier in the day, Tanzanian side Azam FC secured a 2-0 away victory over Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan, who were Gor Mahia’s opponents in the CAF Champions League last season.

Nairobi United XI: Kevin Odour (G.K), Yusuf Nasri Mainge, John Onyango (Captain), Frank Ouya, Bernard Ouma, Charo Majaliwa, Kevin Otiende, Lesley Owino, Dancan Oluoch, Lennox Ogutu, Enock Machaka

NEC Football Club XI: Benjamin Ochan (G.K, Captain), Geriga Atendele, Gideon Odongo, Jacob Okao, Warren Buule, Siraje Sentamu, Charles Waibi, Joseph Seremba, James Jarieko, Emmanuel Kulanga, Cromwel Rwothomio