NEC conceded a late equaliser in the thrilling 2-2 draw with fellow continental debutants Nairobi United at Hamz stadium, Nakivubo on Saturday.
Goals from Cromwell Rwothomio and Paul Mucureezi had cancelled out a first half strike from Enock Machaka but substitute Kibwana Mwinyi the levelled in the closing minute.
Here is how Hussein Mbalangu and his ‘lions’ rated on the day the visitors leave with advantage.
Benjamin Ochan 4/10:
Should have done better to deny Nairobi United the late equaliser by coming out early for the cross from the right.
Geriga Atendele 6/10:
Clever with the throw-in that resulted into the penalty. Defensively astute and made some fine crosses.
Gideon Odong 3/10:
A three is generous to be honest especially after the way he failed to clear the ball for the Nairobi United opener. Substituted after halftime.
Warren Bbule 5/10:
Caught out of position for the cross that led to Nairobi United late equaliser. Otherwise, he defended well.
Jacob Okao 6/10:
Won some crucial aerial duels and looked the most decent of the defensive unit on the day. Should have done better with the long balls into the area.
Siraje Sentamu 6.5/10:
Not a bad debut for the midfielder but overwhelmed especially in the first half with Bernard Ouma everywhere in the pack for the visitors.
Emmanuel Kulanga 5/10:
Relentless and was willing to be the ball carrier in the middle for NEC but often let down by his decision making.
Joseph Sseremba 4/10:
Too sloppy in possession and subbed before the break for Titus Ssematimba.
Charles Waibi 5/10:
Some decision let him down but when in possession, he looked the most likely to create a decisive moment.
James Jarieko 5/10:
Nowhere near his best but had a few decent moments in the first half.
Cromwell Rwothomio 6.5/10:
Huffed and puffed and got the leveller with a well taken header to draw the game level off Mustafa Kizza free kick.
Substitutes
Titus Ssematimba 5.5/10:
A slight improvement on Sseremba with his movement on and off the ball.
Mustafa Kizza 6.5/10:
Created the goal with a deft free kick, whipped in a few decent crosses and troubled the Nairobi United defence with his corner kicks.
Paul Mucureezi 6.5/10:
Won the free kick that resulted into the equaliser and kept his nerves to score a late penalty.
Innocent Media 6/10:
Forced the penalty that appeared to win the game for NEC.
Muzamir Mutyaba N/a:
Came on late
