CAF Confederation Cup: Muyoti banks on home advantage as Nairobi United host NEC FC
By Joel Masibo, September 27, 2025Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti is banking on home support as the Kenyan Premier League outfit hosts NEC FC of Uganda in the second leg of the first preliminary round of the 2025 CAF Confederation Cup in Nairobi on Saturday, September 27, 2025, starting at 4:00 pm.
Reflecting on the first-leg performance in Uganda last week, where Nairobi United held the home side to a 2-2 draw at the Hamz Stadium Stadium, Muyoti has expressed satisfaction in the general outcome of the reverse fixture in their CAF competition debut.
Following an evenly contested first-leg affair in Nakivubo, Muyoti also expects a tough return leg against the visiting team. The Harambee Stars legend has pointed out the physical playing style of NEC FC as a threat ahead of the particular encounter at the Nyayo National Stadium.
”Our players played to instructions, and I am happy we managed to score. Of course, they went up a goal, and we managed to equalise, and until the end we fought, and I am satisfied about the outcome,” Muyoti said.
Muyoti also added that the Kenyan Premier League newbies are equal to the task and confident enough to pull a result against the Ugandan outfits, who are also making their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Tough outing
“I am expecting a very tough match, of course; they are very physical. Most of the time, they muscled out my players, but I am counting on home advantage, and I am also hoping that my players will step up in our match today. I believe they are confident. They already know the opponent they are facing and are aware of what we expect,” Muyoti added.
The tactician further urged his players to stick to the plan and remain disciplined both on and off the ball to qualify for the next stage.
”It is about us defending and getting the goals. I urge the fans to come out in large numbers and support the boys, regardless of the result. I think they have done really well to reach this stage. It is only the support they need, and of course, not forgetting their prayers,” Muyoti added.
On his side, NEC FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu has expressed disappointment in his men after dropping points at home last week, with literally the last kick of the game in the reverse fixture.
“We were disappointed with the result in the first leg, but it was good enough that we didn’t lose the game,” said Mbalangu.
“We have to do well in both boxes, and if we are clinical, I have a belief we can still do to them what they did to us in Kampala,” he added.