Nairobi United Secures Commanding First-Leg Advantage

Nairobi United delivered a stellar performance on Sunday, October 19, 2025, defeating Tunisian powerhouse Etoile Sportive du Sahel 2-0 in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round. The match, played behind closed doors at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, saw goals from Ovella Ochieng and Dancan Omala, giving the Kenyan side a strong lead ahead of the return leg in Tunisia.

This victory is particularly significant as Nairobi United aims to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage for the first time in their history. The club's journey to this point has been remarkable, having won the Kenyan National Super League title and the FKF Cup in June 2025, which earned them promotion to the Premier League and a spot in the continental competition.

Historical Context and Continental Ambitions

Kenyan clubs have historically faced challenges against North African opponents in CAF competitions. However, Nairobi United's recent performance offers a glimmer of hope for a shift in this narrative. Gor Mahia remains the only Kenyan club to have won a continental title, securing the African Cup Winners' Cup in 1987.

Sofapaka also made history in 2011 by becoming the first Kenyan team to defeat a North African side in a continental club competition, overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Egyptian side Ismaily with a resounding 4-0 home victory to qualify for the Confederation Cup group stages.

Road to the Second Preliminary Round

Nairobi United's continental journey began with a thrilling encounter against Ugandan Premier League side NEC FC. They advanced to the second preliminary round on the away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate draw, following a 2-2 draw in Kampala and a 1-1 draw in Nairobi.

The team's head coach, Nicholas Muyoti, expressed pride in his players' composure and execution of their game plan against Etoile du Sahel. He emphasized that the victory is a statement that Kenyan clubs can compete on the continental stage.

Evidence/Data Box

• Match Result: Nairobi United (Kenya) 2-0 Etoile Sportive du Sahel (Tunisia)
• Competition: CAF Confederation Cup, Second Preliminary Round, First Leg
• Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
• Venue: Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi (played behind closed doors)
• Goal Scorers: Ovella Ochieng (37th minute), Dancan Omala (52nd minute)
• Return Leg: Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Stade Olympique de Sousse, Tunisia

What to Watch Next

The focus now shifts to the return leg in Sousse, Tunisia, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Nairobi United carries a two-goal advantage, but coach Muyoti remains cautious, acknowledging the formidable nature of North African teams away from home. The team aims to maintain discipline, capitalize on opportunities, and manage the game intelligently.

Etoile du Sahel's new head coach, Mohamed Ali Nafkha, acknowledged Nairobi United's deserved win and expressed confidence in his team's ability to overturn the deficit in the return leg.

A successful outing in Tunisia would see Nairobi United join an elite group of Kenyan clubs to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, a feat last achieved by Gor Mahia in 2018.