- Nairobi United will host Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round 2025/26.
- The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM EAT at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
- The fixture pits CAF debutants Nairobi United against seasoned continental heavyweights Etoile Sportive du Sahel.
This afternoon, Nairobi United FC embarks on the biggest test in their short history as they face Tunisian Powerhouse Étoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS) in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round 202/26.
The crucial continental fixture is set for 3.00PM EAT at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi.
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This match pits a CAF newcomer against a seasoned heavyweight. Nairobi United is making its debut in the competition, having qualified by winning the 2024/2025 FKF Cup. On the opposite side, Étoile du Sahel is a continental giant boasting nine CAF trophies.
The Kenyan side narrowly advanced to this stage after a tense 3-3 aggregate win on away goals against Uganda’s NEC FC, drawing 2-2 away and 1-1 at home at Nyayo Stadium to qualify.
The Tunisian club enjoyed a smoother passage, securing a comfortable 3-0 aggregate victory over Sudan’s Al-Madani in their previous round.
This fixture marks the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. Both sides head into the tie with recent mixed results. Étoile du Sahel are winless in their last three matches, including a 1-0 defeat to rivals Esperance de Tunis in their most recent league match.
In their last five outings, they have recorded two wins, one draw, and two losses. They are also under new management, with Mohamed Ali Nafkha recently taking over as head coach from Lassad Dridi.
The Kenyan side, Nairobi United has registered two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches, scoring in all but their 1-0 defeat to Bidco United in the SportPesa League.
Nairobi United brace for historic CAF Confederation Cup clash vs Étoile du Sahel
Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti is focused on trying to secure a group stage slot.
Going into the second round, basically we are taking it a match at a time, but our main goal and ultimate target is to go into the group stages,” Muyoti stated.
We want to prepare knowing that we have what is needed to win the game, as much as we have not been getting favorable results against teams from North Africa, we have the chance to put things right. We want to get a convincing result at home, and see what happens away.”
The fixture will be played behind closed doors at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in consultation with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), issued the directive citing security and logistical reasons after tense few days in the country following the death of former Prime minister Raila Odinga.
Only essential personnel and service providers like players, team officials, a small number of club executives, FKF representatives, and limited accredited media will be granted access to the venue.
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This will be the second club continental match staged at the complex within a week, following the CAF Champions League tie on Friday between Kenya Police FC and Sudan’s Al Hilal.
The aggregate winner of the two-legged tie will qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage. The return leg is scheduled for one week later, on Sunday, October 26 at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunisia.