Nairobi United–Étoile du Sahel CAF match to be played behind closed doors

Photo shows Nairobi United in training ahead of their next assignment. (X/Nairobi United)

By Erick Kariuki
Saturday, October 18, 2025

Following consultations between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), it was decided that the match would be staged without fans, citing security and logistical concerns.

The CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg encounter between Nairobi United and Tunisia’s Étoile Sportive du Sahel will now be played behind closed doors on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, with kick-off set for 3:00 pm EAT.

Originally scheduled to take place at the Nyayo Stadium, the fixture was relocated following the demise of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose state burial ceremony was held at the same venue on Friday.

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The situation was further complicated by the unavailability of Kasarani Stadium, which was declared unplayable after sections of the public damaged parts of the facility during Thursday’s public viewing of Raila’s body.

With both Nyayo and Kasarani failing to meet CAF’s readiness requirements, the Ulinzi Sports Complex emerged as the only suitable alternative. Following consultations between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), it was decided that the match would be staged without fans, citing security and logistical concerns.

According to the new directive, only a limited number of individuals will be granted access to the venue, including players and officials from both teams, ten members of each club’s executive committee, representatives from the FKF and the Embassy of Tunisia, twenty ball boys, as well as a small contingent of accredited media and broadcast crew.

This marks the second continental club fixture to be hosted at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in just a week, following last Friday’s CAF Champions League clash where Kenya Police FC fell 1-0 to Sudanese giants Al Hilal, courtesy of a Coulibaly strike.

For Nairobi United, Sunday’s tie represents another landmark moment in their fairy-tale rise. The FKF Cup champions are making their debut in continental competition after stunning Gor Mahia in last season’s domestic cup final.

Their path to the title included impressive victories over heavyweights Kakamega Homeboyz, Tusker FC, and KCB, showcasing a resilience that will be crucial against the battle-hardened Tunisian outfit.

In the previous round, Nairobi United advanced past Ugandan Premier League side NEC FC on the away goal rule after a thrilling 3-3 aggregate draw. The Kenyan side will now aim to make home advantage count before the decisive return leg in Tunisia at the Stade Olympique de Sousse, the fortress of Étoile du Sahel.

In an official statement, Nairobi United Football Club confirmed the development, saying: “Given directives from CAF and the exceptional circumstances surrounding the change of venue to Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi United Football Club wishes to inform all supporters that our upcoming CAF Confederation Cup fixture will be played behind closed doors.

Only the following individuals will be allowed inside the stadium: players and technical officials of both teams, 20 ball boys, 10 Executive Committee members from each club, representatives from the Embassy of Tunisia and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), accredited media officers, and the official production crew.

Despite the restrictions, anticipation remains high as Nairobi United prepare to test themselves against one of North Africa’s most successful clubs in what promises to be a defining chapter in their young history.