David GOMBE
Debutants NEC FC and Nairobi United FC shared spoils in a 2-2 draw during their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round under the lights of Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo on Saturday.
Cromwell Rwothomio and Paul Mucureezi struck for NEC FC while Enock Machaka and Mwinyi Kibwana netted for the visitors.
Machaka gave the visitors took the lead in the 28th minute tapping in a long throw-in by Dancan Olouch.
NEC FC rallied back through Rwothomio who headed second half substitute Mustafa Kizza’s free kick in the 78th minute.
Mucureezi who also came on as a substitute scored a penalty on the 90th minute mark to give the Ugandan representatives the lead.
At that moment NEC looked to be coasting to a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first round first-leg victory on their continental debut.
However, the visitors levelled matters in the final minute of added time when substitute Kibwana surged to the long ball to beat goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan for the equalizer.
The sides will meet for the second leg next Saturday in a must win game for Hussein Mbalangu coaches side.
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
Subs: Hannington Ssebwalunyo (G.K), Ibrahim Kiyemba, Mustafa Kizza, Shamir Kimwero, Paul Mucureezi, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Joseph Dhata Stephen Lujang, Titus Ssematimba, Ronald Innocent
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
Subs: Benard Oyure (G.K), Isaac Omoke, Kibwana Mwinyi, Brian Mogire, Prince Buregeya, Michael Karamor, Chris Opondo, Shafic Ssebyala
