Nairobi United eye historic CAF Confederation Cup group stage berth ahead of clash with Étoile du Sahel

Nairobi United players posing for a photo after their CAF Confederation Cup first leg win at home in the second preliminary stage. (Photo: X/Nairobi United)

By Erick Kariuki
Sunday, October 26, 2025

The Kenyan debutants carry a 2–0 advantage from the first leg played behind closed doors at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

Nairobi United are on the verge of history as they prepare to face Étoile Sportive du Sahel in Tunis on Sunday night in the decisive second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round.

The Kenyan debutants carry a 2–0 advantage from the first leg played behind closed doors at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, where Ovella Ochieng and teenager Duncan Omalla found the back of the net.

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A draw in Tunisia would be enough to seal their passage to the group stage, a feat that would make them only the second Kenyan club ever to reach that stage after Gor Mahia’s success in 2018 against SuperSport United.

Before meeting Étoile, Nairobi United had edged out Uganda’s NEC FC on away goals following a 3–3 aggregate draw. Their Tunisian opponents had a relatively comfortable qualification, overcoming Al-Madani of Sudan 3–1 on aggregate.

Despite Étoile’s rich continental pedigree, boasting nine CAF titles, their recent form has been shaky. They are winless in their last five matches, including a 2–1 league loss to Olympique Béja, and are still adjusting under new head coach Mohamed Ali Nafkha, who replaced Lassad Dridi shortly before the first-leg defeat in Nairobi.

Nairobi United, on the other hand, head into the clash in confident form, having recorded three wins, two draws, and one loss in their last six outings across all competitions. They have scored in every match except a narrow league defeat to Bidco United.

With head coach Nicholas Muyoti ineligible to lead the side in CAF competitions due to licensing rules, Salim Ali will once again take charge from the touchline. He admits that his players will be up against a passionate and intimidating crowd at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse, but remains optimistic.

“It will be difficult, very hostile. The fans here are very rowdy,” Coach Mohamed said ahead of the match.

“But at the end of the day, it’s 90 minutes on the pitch. We’re working to keep our players focused and concentrated despite the pressure. We can’t rely too much on the 2–0 advantage. If we relax, we’ll be punished. It’s a fight for 90 minutes, and that’s what will push the players.”

The tactician added that his side remains motivated and determined to make history.

“It’s our second CAF away game, and I believe we’ll get a goal because of the energy and motivation in camp. The players know what’s at stake; they want to make Kenya proud,” he said.

Mohamed confirmed that Ugandan midfielder Shafic Ssebyala will miss the clash due to an ankle injury, but noted that the rest of the squad is fully fit and ready.

“We are fit as a team, but Shaffik picked up an ankle injury and didn’t travel with us. We have a replacement, though, because we wanted players who are fully fit for 90 minutes,” he said.

All tickets for the fixture have reportedly sold out, promising a packed and intense atmosphere in Sousse.

Nairobi United are Kenya’s sole remaining representative in CAF competitions this season, following Kenya Police’s exit from the CAF Champions League at the hands of Al Hilal, who won 4–1 on aggregate.