NEC FC will head into Saturday’s decisive CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round second-leg clash against Kenya’s Nairobi United at Nyayo National Stadium without one of their most dangerous attacking threats, Cromwell Rwothomio.
Rwothomio, who netted one of NEC’s goals in last weekend’s thrilling 2-2 draw at Hamz Stadium in Kampala, is sidelined with a knee injury sustained in the first leg. His absence leaves a significant gap in NEC’s frontline just as the tie enters its crucial stage.
Coach and team management are expected to rely on alternatives including James Jarieko, Emmanuel Ajo, Paul Mucureezi, and Innocent Media to step up in Rwothomio’s absence. NEC’s players arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday by bus, giving them time to acclimatize and prepare mentally and physically for the high-stakes encounter.
The Ugandan side faces a clear mandate: either secure a victory or score at least three goals in a draw to advance, with the away goals rule still a decisive factor. The tie promises to be a tactical battle as NEC seeks to overcome the setback of losing their key striker.
Meanwhile, Vipers SC are also fine-tuning their strategy ahead of Saturday’s CAF Champions League second-leg clash against Namibia’s African Stars at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. The Uganda Premier League champions carry a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg and need only to avoid defeat to book their place in the second preliminary round, highlighting the fine margins that define continental football.
Both Ugandan sides now face critical weekends where preparation, strategy, and mental resilience could determine who advances on the African stage.
