Nairobi United set for crucial group-stage clash against Maniema at Kasarani

Nairobi United head coach Salim Ali has expressed confidence and determination ahead of today’s CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match against Maniema Union, scheduled for 4 pm at the Kasarani Stadium. Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Ali underscored the importance of maximising home advantage as the Naibois play their first group-stage fixture on home soil.

Ali noted that his players are eager and mentally prepared for the clash, having shown strong commitment throughout the week’s training sessions.

“When you play at home, you're supposed to work very hard to get good results. The boys are eager to play at home, and with the support we’ll have, I believe they'll work very hard to get good results,” he said.

Midfielder Enoch Machaka echoed his coach’s sentiments, emphasising that the team has fully recovered from their defeat in Morocco and is ready to respond positively.

“We’ve recovered from the mistakes we made in Morocco; we learn every day. Tomorrow there will be a difference,” he reassured.

Nairobi United suffered a setback in their last outing away to Wydad Casablanca, but both the players and the technical bench believe the experience will serve as motivation rather than a blow to their momentum.

The team has received a boost with the return of defender Kevin Mainge, who missed the previous match due to accumulated yellow cards. Ali confirmed he is fit and available for selection. However, the Naibois will be without influential midfielder Brian Mzee, who was shown a red card against Wydad.

“He’ll definitely be out for this match,” Ali said. “But it’s a good opportunity for others to showcase their talent.”

With today’s match being Nairobi United’s final continental fixture of the year, Ali stressed the importance of securing all three points.

“It’s very important for us to get a good result and a win at home to close the year,” he stated.

A victory would lift Nairobi United to three points, level with Maniema, and set up a tense and defining January in which Naibois face a demanding back-to-back schedule, including fixtures against Azam of Tanzania.

Asked whether the loss to Moroccan giants Wydad affected his squad’s confidence, Ali dismissed any negative impact.

“Most of the time, we don’t look at the negative. Wydad is one of the biggest teams in Africa. The lesson we had there was very important,” he explained.

He admitted that conceding an early goal disrupted their tactical plan but believes the experience will be vital at this level, where small details matter.

With fan support growing since the early rounds of the competition, Ali believes the Kasarani faithful will play a crucial role today.

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“With the support we’ll have, I’m sure the boys will push even harder for the result we want,” he said.

The stakes are even higher following Azam FC’s 1-0 defeat to Wydad Casablanca on Saturday. Three points at home would significantly strengthen Nairobi United’s fight for a place in the knockout round.

CAF’s newly revised prize money structure has also heightened competition. Nairobi United pocketed USD 50,000 (Sh6.7 million) from the preliminary stages, a reward clubs had never received in previous years. The winners of the tournament will take home Sh258.4 million (USD 2 million), while the runners-up will receive Sh129.2 million (USD 1 million). A quarterfinal appearance would earn the Naibois an additional Sh71 million (USD 550,000).

Nairobi United and Maniema Union face off today at 4 pm at Kasarani, with both teams seeking to solidify their positions in the CAF Confederation Cup group standings. For Naibois, it is an opportunity to end the year on a high and set the tone for a decisive January run.