Kenyan football’s rising stars, Nairobi United, delivered a stunning upset on Sunday with a commanding 2-0 win over Tunisian powerhouse Étoile Sportive du Sahel in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round. Playing at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, the FKF Cup champions took a major step toward a historic group stage qualification.
Naibois Take Continental Stage by Storm
Having only just earned promotion to the Kenyan Premier League, Nairobi United’s meteoric rise continued on Sunday with their most impressive continental display yet. Goals from Ovella Ochieng and John Otieno in each half gave the Naibois a valuable cushion heading into the second leg in Tunis on October 26 at Stade Olympique de Sousse.
This victory marks another chapter in a fairytale season for the club, who shocked Gor Mahia to win the 2024 FKF Cup, earning their place in CAF competition. Nairobi United is now on the verge of becoming only the second newly promoted Kenyan club—after Mathare United—to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
Path to the Second Preliminary Round
Nairobi United’s continental journey began against Uganda’s NEC FC. The first leg in Kampala ended 2-2 after a dramatic last-minute equalizer, while the return leg in Nairobi finished 1-1. Progress came via the away goals rule, setting up a clash with North African giants Étoile du Sahel.
Coach Nicholas Muyoti fielded a strong, attack-minded side, with striker Dancan Omala—brother of ex-Gor Mahia forward Benson Omala—starting up front alongside Michael Karamor. The backline was anchored by John Otieno, Lennox Ogutu, Kevin Otiende, and Yusuf Nasri, with Kevin Oduor guarding the goal.
Midfield dynamo Ovella Ochieng partnered with Enock Machaka, while Brian Omondi and Lesley Owino provided crucial support.
Tunisian Threat and Familiar Faces
Étoile du Sahel, one of Africa’s most experienced clubs, included Kenyan defender Alphonse Omija in their starting XI. Omija was signed following his standout performance during the CHAN tournament, where he helped his national side reach the knockout rounds under coach Benni McCarthy.
Despite their pedigree, Sahel struggled to contain a well-organized Nairobi United side brimming with energy and confidence.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone
United nearly opened the scoring within 10 minutes after a double chance forced Sahel keeper Khaled Youssef into back-to-back saves—first denying Omala’s long-range shot and then parrying Karamor’s powerful rebound.
The Tunisians responded through Moussa Senghor, but his shot went wide after a clever pass from Mohamed Yasine. The breakthrough finally came in the 37th minute when a clever build-up saw Lesley Owino deliver a cross that Machaka teed up for Omala, who coolly slotted past Youssef to give United the lead at the break.
Otieno Seals the Deal in Second Half
The Naibois doubled their lead in the 57th minute. A swift counterattack found John Otieno in space, and he made no mistake with a composed finish to put United firmly in control. Ochieng nearly made it three just five minutes later, but his shot struck the post.
The match was played behind closed doors, but Nairobi United’s performance echoed far beyond the empty stands, sending a clear message that the FKF Cup winners are not just making up the numbers on the continental stage.
Elsewhere in the CAF Confederation Cup
In other fixtures, Tanzania’s Azam FC secured a comfortable 2-0 away win over KMKM at the Amaan Stadium, thanks to early goals from Jephte Kitambala and Pascal Msindo. Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agosto were held to a goalless draw by last season’s semi-finalists Stellenbosch FC, keeping their tie delicately balanced ahead of the return leg.
What’s Next for Nairobi United?
The second leg in Sousse will be their toughest test yet, with Étoile expected to come out aggressively in front of their home crowd. But with a 2-0 lead, Nairobi United hold the upper hand and are now just 90 minutes away from an unprecedented spot in the group stage.
