Hussein Mbalangu Laments NEC Costly Mistakes Against Nairobi United That Spoiled Historic Night

NEC FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu cut a frustrated figure after his side threw away a late lead to draw 2-2 with Nairobi United in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary tie at the refurbished Hamz Stadium Nakivubo on Saturday night.

Making their first-ever appearance on the continental stage, NEC FC looked set to mark the occasion with a memorable comeback win. 

After conceding in the 28th minute to Enock Machaka’s strike, the Bugolobi outfit roared back. Mustafa Kizza, introduced after halftime, whipped in a perfect free kick that Cromwell Rwothomio headed home in the 78th minute.

The stadium erupted again when Paul Mucureezi calmly slotted a 90+1 penalty following a handball by Nairobi captain John Otieno — putting NEC on the brink of a famous home victory.

But disaster struck in the final seconds. A hopeful long ball from the visitors was misjudged by goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan, leaving substitute Kibwama Mwinyi with an easy tap-in to silence the home fans.

“The game was not bad, but we committed silly mistakes,” Mbalangu admitted post-match as per New Vision.

“Look at both goals — they were gifts. The first was a defender’s error, the second a goalkeeper’s mistake. At this level, you get punished.”

Mbalangu’s decision to start without CAF-experienced stars Paul Mucureezi, Muzamir Mutyaba, and Kizza had sparked debate.

 “We had our game plan,” he explained. “We wanted to use the energy of the young players early and then introduce the senior players to finish off the game.”

While the tactical shift nearly paid off, NEC’s defensive lapses — also evident in their FUFA Super 8 final defeat to SC Villa — remain a major concern.

Despite the heartbreak, Mbalangu struck a note of defiance. 

“This tie is still open,” he insisted.

 “What Nairobi United did here, we can also do in Kenya. They didn’t put us under much pressure — they just punished our mistakes. We will correct them and come back stronger.”

Nairobi United’s Technical Director Salim Ali was delighted with the result, saying: “A 2-2 draw away from home is a great result. We showed character to fight until the end, and we now have something to build on for the return leg.”

NEC must now score in Nairobi and defend far better to keep their continental dream alive. The pressure is squarely on Mbalangu’s side — anything less than a win or a higher-scoring draw will see them crash out.