Uganda’s National Enterprise Corporation Football Club (NEC FC) bowed out of the CAF Confederation Cup in heartbreaking fashion after a 1-1 draw away to Nairobi United at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday evening.
The result meant a 3-3 aggregate score across the two legs, but NEC were eliminated on the away-goals rule after the Kenyans’ two goals in Kampala last week tipped the balance.
From the opening whistle, NEC looked determined to write history in Nairobi. Innocent Ronald Media twice forced heroic saves from goalkeeper Kevin Oduor in the early stages, while Charles Waibi and Gregory Atendele also came close.
Their pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Atendele’s long throw caused chaos in the box. Waibi pounced, smashing home a half-volley that silenced the Nyayo crowd and gave NEC the lead their performance deserved.
Joseph Seremba’s tireless midfield engine and Moustapha Kiiza’s precise deliveries kept NEC firmly in control for much of the first half. By halftime, the Ugandan debutants were in command and dreaming of progression.
Early in the second half, Waibi almost doubled his tally but was denied by the woodwork in the 50th minute. That miss would prove costly.
As the match wore on, Nairobi United’s substitutions gave them fresh momentum. NEC’s defensive line, marshalled by Atendele and Shamir Kimwero, held firm under waves of pressure. But in the 64th minute, a momentary lapse allowed Duncan Omalla to sneak in behind and slot home the equaliser.
With the away-goals rule against them, NEC now needed to score again. Hussein Mbalangu threw on Paul Mucureezi and Marvin Kavuma to reignite the attack, and Seremba nearly restored the lead with a glancing header that Oduor somehow tipped wide.
Despite late pressure, NEC could not find the winner. At full-time, Nairobi United celebrated progression, but for NEC, it was a case of what might have been.
Coach Mbalangu praised his players for their spirit:
“We showed that NEC belongs at this level. It’s painful to go out this way, but the experience will make us stronger. We will be back.”
For a club making its continental debut, NEC’s fearless performance against a more seasoned Nairobi side was a statement. They leave the tournament proud, knowing they matched their opponents over two legs and only bowed out on a technicality.
The Ugandan military side will now turn their focus to the domestic league, carrying lessons and belief from their first taste of continental football.
