Nairobi United etched their name into Kenyan football folklore on Sunday, October 26, 2025, by qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage in their maiden continental campaign. The newly-promoted SportPesa Premier League side overcame Tunisian powerhouse Etoile Sportive du Sahel 7-6 in a tense post-match penalty shootout at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunisia. The aggregate score was level at 2-2 after Etoile won the second leg 2-0, erasing Nairobi United's advantage from the first leg in Nairobi.

Goalkeeper Kevin Oduor was the central figure in a dramatic evening, transforming from near-villain to undisputed hero. After a disciplined defensive performance, a late error from Oduor in the sixth minute of stoppage time allowed substitute Ghofrane Naouali to head in an equaliser, forcing the shootout. However, Oduor redeemed himself spectacularly, saving two penalties and then converting the winning spot-kick himself to seal a momentous victory for Kenyan football.

A Remarkable Rise

The achievement crowns a meteoric rise for the club, affectionately known as 'Naibois'. In the 2024/25 season, they accomplished a remarkable domestic double, winning the National Super League to gain promotion to the top flight and defeating record champions Gor Mahia in the Mozzart Bet Cup final to earn their ticket to the continent. Their journey to the group stage saw them navigate two challenging preliminary rounds. They first eliminated Uganda's NEC FC on the away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate draw, before facing the formidable Etoile du Sahel, a club with a rich history of nine CAF trophies.

Nairobi United's success is a significant boost for Kenyan club football, as they are now the country's only representative in the group stages of continental competitions this season. FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC were earlier eliminated from the CAF Champions League. This marks the first time a Kenyan club has reached this stage of the Confederation Cup since Gor Mahia in 2018.

Match Details and Key Moments

Carrying a 2-0 lead from the first leg played at the Ulinzi Complex in Nairobi, Nairobi United, under coach Nicholas Muyoti, adopted a defensive strategy in Sousse. They held firm until the 53rd minute when Rayan Anen scored for the hosts. Despite intense pressure, the Kenyan side appeared set to secure a narrow aggregate win until Oduor's misjudgment deep into injury time sent the tie to penalties. In the shootout, Oduor saved Etoile's first penalty from their captain and another from Cedric Gbo, before stepping up to score the decisive kick that sparked wild celebrations.

Financial Implications and What Lies Ahead

Qualification for the group stage brings significant financial rewards for Nairobi United. The club is now guaranteed a substantial sum from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), reported to be around Ksh 51.7 million (approximately USD 350,000), which could be transformative for the newly-promoted side. The funds are part of CAF's prize money structure for the competition. The draw for the group stages will be held on November 3, 2025, where Nairobi United will be pitted against some of the continent's most established clubs, including the likes of Zamalek (Egypt), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), and Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa). The group stage matches are scheduled to begin in late November 2025. This historic achievement not only provides a massive platform for Nairobi United's players to showcase their talent but also shines a positive light on the growing potential of Kenyan club football on the African stage.