- The CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg clash between Nairobi United vs Etoile du Sahel will now be played behind closed doors.
- The match is set to be played on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, with kick-off set for 3:00 PM EAT.
The CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg clash between Nairobi United vs Etoile Sportive du Sahel will now be played behind closed doors on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, with kick-off set for 3:00 PM EAT.
The game, which was initially scheduled to take place at Nyayo National Stadium has been relocated following the demise of Kenya’s former Prime Minister and Gor Mahia Patron, the Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga, whose state burial ceremony was held at the same venue on Friday.
The change in venue was further complicated by the unavailability of Kasarani Stadium, which has been deemed unplayable after sections of the public damaged key areas of the facility during the public viewing of the late Odinga’s body earlier on Thursday.
With Nyayo and Kasarani not meeting CAF’s readiness standards, Ulinzi Sports Complex emerged as the only viable option to host the crucial continental fixture.
Nairobi United vs Etoile du Sahel to be played behind closed doors
Confederations of African Football(CAF) in consultation with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), directed that the match be played without fans for security and logistical reasons.
Only the two teams’ players and officials, ten members of each club’s executive committee, twenty ball boys, FKF representatives, Sudan Embassy officials, and a limited number of accredited media personnel and broadcast crews will be allowed access to the stadium.
This will be the second club continental match to be staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex within a week, following Friday’s CAF Champions League tie between SportPesa League champions Kenya Police FC and Sudan giants Al Hilal, which ended 1-0 in favour of the visitors, courtesy of Coulibali’s goal.
For Nairobi United, this fixture represents another proud milestone in their fairy-tale journey. The FKF Cup champions are making their debut in CAF competitions, having booked their slot after stunning Gor Mahia in the FKF Cup final.
Along the way, they also eliminated heavyweights Kakamega Homeboyz, Tusker FC, and KCB, showing resilience that will be vital against the experienced North African side.
Nairobi United advanced to this round after edging out Ugandan Premier League side NEC FC on the away goal rule following a 3-3 aggregate draw over two legs.
They will be hoping to secure a positive result at home before travelling to Tunisia for the decisive return leg at the Stade Olympique de Sousse, Etoile du Sahel’s fortress.