NEC head coach Hussein Mbalangu has refused to dwell on the frustration of a 2-2 first-leg draw against Nairobi United, choosing instead to look ahead with optimism as his charges prepare for Saturday’s decisive clash at Nyayo Stadium.
The Ugandan side appeared on course for victory at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo after Cromwell Rwothomio and Paul Mucureezi struck to give them the upper hand. But a late response from Kibwana left the tie finely balanced, tilting the advantage slightly in favor of the visitors who carry two away goals into the return leg.
For Mbalangu, however, the stalemate is no reason to panic. Addressing the media as his team resumed training on Monday, he insisted the result left everything to play for.
“The draw isn’t the result we wanted but we are delighted we didn’t lose. We are happy because the game is still on,” the coach remarked.
He was also quick to warn that the contest in Nairobi will have a different complexion.
“It is going to be a different game. We have regrouped and we are setting up a strategy and game plan to win the game,” he explained.
Looking back on the first leg, Mbalangu acknowledged the costly errors at both ends of the pitch that gifted Nairobi United a route back into the tie.
“We have to defend well because we conceded avoidable goals and the focus is to improve on the players mentally and physically so that we don’t repeat those mistakes.
When you look at the general play, we were better in all aspects of the game including creation of chances. We need to be clinical in front of goal and what they did to us; we can also do to them although I admit it will be difficult.”
Despite the setbacks, his message remains clear: NEC must finish the job and knock their opponents out.
“I promise we shall put up a good display, fight and we eliminate them,” he vowed.
Yet the coach faces new worries ahead of the trip. Striker Cromwell Rwothomio, who netted in the first leg, has been ruled out with injury, while midfield duo Emmanuel Kulanga and James Jarieko are racing against time to be fit.
The team set off by road on Monday evening and are expected in Nairobi early Tuesday to acclimatize and begin final preparations. The stakes are high: victory at Nyayo will secure NEC a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup pre-group stages, defeat will end their continental adventure before it properly begins.
