Nairobi United booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary second round after a 1-1 draw with Uganda’s NEC FC at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday evening.

The FKF Cup champions progressed courtesy of the away goals rule, having battled to a 2-2 result in the first leg in Kampala.

The Ugandans started strongly, pinning the hosts back and carving out chances in the early exchanges. Their persistence was rewarded in the 26th minute when Charles Waibi latched onto a long throw from Geriga Atendele and beat the United defence to open the scoring.

NEC continued to look dangerous and could have doubled their lead shortly after halftime, but Waibi’s effort struck the woodwork.

Nairobi United responded by introducing Shami Kibwana, who came close before Duncan Omalla scored in the 65th minute. The striker finished calmly after good work from Ovella Ochieng on the flank.

Despite making attacking substitutions, coach Hussein Mbalangu’s NEC side could not find a second goal. United, led by Nicholas Muyoti, remained compact at the back and saw out the contest to secure qualification.

Nairobi United will now face either South Sudan’s Madani or Tunisian giants Etoile du Sahel in the next round.