Nairobi United salvaged a 2-2 draw with Ugandan outfit NEC to set up for a do-or-die clash in Nairobi next weekend.

Nairobi United Technical director Ali Salim Ramadhan has explained how his side were able to salvage a valuable 2-2 draw away against Uganda’s NEC FC in their CAF Confederation Cup First Preliminary round first leg encounter at the Nakivubo Stadium on Saturday.

The Kenyan debutants struck early when Duncan Omala’s long throw found Enock Machaka unmarked in the box, and he made no mistake beating former AFC Leopards goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan. The lead, however, did not last into the closing stages.

NEC piled pressure and were rewarded in the 78th minute when Cromwel Rwothomio powered home a header from Mustafa Kizza’s free-kick. Their comeback gathered momentum and, on the stroke of full time, substitute Paul Mucureezi converted from the penalty spot to give the Ugandans a 2-1 advantage.

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But just when it looked like the hosts had stolen victory, Nairobi United launched one final attack deep into stoppage time. A long ball over the NEC defence was met by Shami Kibwana, who struck past Ochan to snatch a valuable away draw for the visitors with virtually the last kick of the game.

After the match, Nairobi United technical director Ali Salim Ramadhan praised his players’ resilience, insisting the result keeps their qualification hopes alive.

“I feel it’s a good result for us,” said Ramadhan. “We were leading in the first half, then in the second half they equalised through a set piece and a penalty. Despite that, our players showed great courage and fought until the very end. We managed to get a late equaliser, so overall I think the draw is positive for us.”

Ramadhan admitted NEC gained the upper hand in phases of the second half but credited his squad’s response: “They came out strongly after the break, especially in the first and last 15 minutes, and used their strengths in long balls and set pieces. But we also made our own changes, brought in key players, and that helped us respond.”

He also hailed the travelling supporters who made their presence felt in Kampala: “The fans were fantastic. Having that ‘12th man’ really pushed the team to the limit. It’s rare to get such passionate backing away from home, and I believe it gave the players morale and confidence to fight until the final whistle.”

The decisive second leg will be played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, 27 September, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00 pm.