Historic penalty shootout sends Nairobi United to CAF Confederation Cup group stage

Nairobi United players pose for a photo before their clash with Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel. (Photo: Étoile Sportive du Sahel media)

By Erick Kariuki
Sunday, October 26, 2025

The newly promoted FKF Premier League side defeated Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel 7–6 on penalties, following a 2–2 aggregate draw.

Nairobi United have etched their name in Kenyan football history by qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage in their very first appearance in the continental competition.

The newly promoted FKF Premier League side defeated Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel 7–6 on penalties, following a 2–2 aggregate draw.

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Coached by Nicholas Muyoti, Nairobi United entered the return leg in Sousse with a 2–0 advantage from the first leg in Nairobi. However, Étoile struck twice to level the tie. With no further goals in regulation time, the match went to penalties, where goalkeeper Kevin Odour emerged as the hero—saving two penalties and converting the decisive kick to send the ‘Naibois’ through.

This achievement makes Nairobi United the first Kenyan club to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on debut, and the first since Gor Mahia in 2018 to advance this far.

They also became only the fourth Kenyan side to eliminate a North African opponent, joining Luo Union, Utalii, and Bandari in this exclusive list.

Étoile du Sahel started strongly, creating early chances that tested Nairobi United’s defence. Goalkeeper Odour was alert to deny Mohamed Senghor in the 13th minute, while captain John Otieno led by example with several crucial clearances.

Nairobi United gradually settled into the game, with Ovella Ochieng and Dancan Omala combining well in attack, though they could not find the back of the net before halftime.

The second half saw both sides increase the intensity. Odour produced another key save to block Rami Anen’s close-range effort, while Michael Karamor came close for the visitors with a near miss from Ovella’s cross. Étoile eventually forced penalties in stoppage time, but Nairobi United held their composure to complete the job dramatically.

The milestone caps a remarkable four months for the Naibois. They earned promotion to the FKF Premier League after winning the National Super League, lifted the Mozzart Bet Cup by defeating Gor Mahia, and have now reached the CAF group stage—all within a single season.

Nairobi United’s run has also brought financial reward, earning them Sh58.1 million in CAF prize money, including Sh6.4 million for reaching the preliminary round and Sh51.7 million for advancing to the group stage.

The team will now await the CAF Confederation Cup group stage draw, scheduled for November 3, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, where 16 clubs will be paired into four groups of four.