Nairobi United sink Étoile du Sahel 2–0 in CAF Confederation Cup first leg

Kenyan Premier League side Nairobi United produced a memorable performance to defeat Tunisian powerhouse Étoile Sportive du Sahel 2–0 in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round. This is the first leg clash held behind closed doors at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday.

Goals from Ovella Ochieng in the first half and Dancan Omala in the second ensured the newly promoted Nairobi outfit carried a commanding lead into the return leg at the Stade Olympique de Sousse on Sunday, October 26, as they aim to reach the group stage of the competition for the first time in their history.

The hosts made their intentions clear from the opening whistle, forcing the Tunisians onto the back foot with a fast, attacking start. In the 10th minute, Omala unleashed a fierce long-range shot that was pushed away by Étoile goalkeeper Khaled Youssef, who then reacted quickly to deny Michael Karamor from the rebound in a fine double save.

Five minutes later, the visitors had their first chance when Moussa Senghor fired narrowly wide after connecting with Mohamed Yassine’s cross, but that was as close as they came in the first period.

Nairobi United’s dominance was rewarded in the 37th minute. After a quick interchange in midfield, Lesley Owino sent in a teasing cross that found Enock Machaka, who laid it off neatly to Ovella Ochieng. The winger made no mistake, slotting past Youssef to give the FKF Cup champions a deserved 1–0 lead at halftime.

The Tunisians struggled to cope with United’s energy after the break, and the pressure finally told in the 57th minute when John Otieno picked out Omala inside the box. The striker turned sharply before rifling home a powerful shot to double the hosts’ advantage.

Ochieng nearly grabbed his second just minutes later, rattling the woodwork from close range after a dazzling solo run, as Nairobi United continued to press for a third goal.

Étoile du Sahel, who included Kenyan defender Alphonse Omija, a recent signing following his standout performances at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), were second best for large spells and rarely tested goalkeeper Kevin Oduor, who marshalled a composed defence of Kevin Otiende, Otieno, Lennox Ogutu, and Yusuf Nasri.

The 2–0 victory puts Nairobi United in firm control ahead of the return leg in Tunisia, needing only to avoid a heavy defeat to advance to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage in their debut campaign.

The win also extends the club’s remarkable rise. Having earned promotion to the Premier League last season, the Naibois stunned record champions Gor Mahia to lift the FKF Cup, becoming only the second promoted team in Kenyan football history after Mathare United to achieve the feat.

Their continental journey began with a thrilling 3–3 aggregate draw against NEC FC of Uganda, advancing on the away goals rule. Now, with two goals to the good against one of Africa’s most decorated sides, Nairobi United’s fairytale continues to gather pace.

Meanwhile, elsewhere on the continent, Tanzanian giants Azam FC defeated KMKM 2–0 in Zanzibar through goals from Jephte Kitambala and Pascal Msindo, while in Equatorial Guinea, 15 de Agosto were held to a goalless draw by South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC, last season’s semifinalists.

Other Topics To Read

• Tunisia
• CAF Confederation Cup
• Nairobi United
• Ulinzi Sports Complex
• Étoile Sportive du Sahel
• Ovella Ochieng
• Dancan Omala
• Nairobi United sink Étoile du Sahel 2–0 in CAF Confederation Cup first leg
• Football