Nairobi United fall 1–0 at home to AS Maniema Union in tense Group B clash
Despite controlling phases of the second half, Nairobi United struggled with efficiency in the final third.
Nairobi United suffered their first home defeat of the group stage, narrowly losing 1–0 to DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union in a tense and physically demanding encounter.
Maniema Union signalled their attacking intent almost immediately, forcing an early corner that Nairobi United’s defence dealt with comfortably. Moments later, a rare slip from defender John Otieno gave Maniema a shooting chance, but the visitors fired wide.
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Nairobi United gradually settled and began creating opportunities of their own. Enock Machaka played a clever through-ball to Duncan Omalla, but the forward was caught offside.
As the half progressed, Maniema’s physical presence in attack, particularly through Christian Balako Panzi, kept the hosts alert, with Kevin Oduor visibly frustrated after a loose ball nearly proved costly.
The home side grew into the contest, with Karamor heading wide from a Machaka delivery, and Omalla later dragging his shot off target after being released by another incisive pass. Maniema’s Ozome Chadoma went into the referee’s book for halting a dangerous counterattack, reflecting the growing influence of Nairobi United.
Just before the interval, Shami Mwinyi set up Karamor for United’s best chance of the half, but goalkeeper Detan Ogundare reacted sharply to push the effort away.
Nairobi United resumed play with renewed energy. Mwinyi Kibwana threatened twice on the flank, once being flagged offside and later making a promising run that ended without a meaningful final ball. Machaka continued to probe from wide areas, but Ogundare remained alert, smothering one of his crosses inside the box.
A foul on Kibwana presented United with a dangerous free-kick, which nearly produced the opener, but the finish lacked precision. Duncan Oluoch also tried his luck from distance, only to see his effort sail high.
Despite controlling phases of the second half, Nairobi United struggled with efficiency in the final third. Their wastefulness proved costly in the 65th minute when Maniema struck decisively through Mboma Kinda, silencing the home crowd with a composed finish.
The head coach made immediate substitutions, withdrawing Omalla, Machaka, and Magare for Adams Nyang’ate, Kefa Nakumincha, and Chris Opondo in a bid to inject fresh energy. Kibwana continued to find space on the wings but could not deliver telling crosses, while Lennox Ogutu received a yellow card as United pressed forward.
Later changes saw Frank Ouya and Majaliwa Charo come on, with Ouya firing one attempt narrowly wide as United searched for an equaliser. Despite their late pressure, the hosts could not break down Maniema’s disciplined back line.
Nairobi now sit at the bottom of the Group B table alongside Azam, having played two matches and lost both.
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