- Nairobi United defeated Etoile Sportive du Sahel 2-0, taking a crucial advantage in the first leg of the two-legged second preliminary round of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup.
- The match was played behind closed doors at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Sunday, October 19.
- Ovella Ochieng opened the scoring, before John Otieno sealed the victory with a second-half goal.
Nairobi United got off to a perfect start in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, securing a commanding 2-0 first-leg victory against Tunisian powerhouse Etoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS) at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon.
This clash marks the final qualifying round for the CAF Confederation 2025/26 group stage. The Naibois are making their historic debut appearance, aiming to advance to the group stage – a feat not achieved since 2018 when Gor Mahia accomplished the same milestone.
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The match began with both teams showing equal energy for the first 20 minutes, as each side created chances that neither could convert, with both custodians standing firm.
It wasn’t until seven minutes past the half-hour mark that the hosts broke the deadlock. Their fleet-footed winger Michael Ovella Ochieng netted the opener with a superb strike, putting Nicholas Muyoti’s side ahead going into the break.
The second half saw Nairobi United capitalize on another clear-cut opportunity in the 52nd minute, doubling their advantage through John Otieno.
Despite the match being played behind closed doors, the team delivered a confident performance, moving them one step closer to the group stage in their maiden continental campaign.
The SportPesa League side qualified for this competition by winning the FKF Cup last season. They advanced to this final round through the first preliminary round on the away goals rule after a 3-3 draw with Uganda’s NEC FC.
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The team now has one week to prepare before traveling for the second leg in Tunisia, where they will face Mohamed Ali Nefkhia’s charges at the Stade Olympique de Sousse on Sunday, October 26.
Etoile du Sahel is the new club for former Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija, who was in the starting lineup for Sunday’s clash.
His new club now faces a formidable challenge, needing to score at least three goals to overturn the deficit and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Nairobi United vs Etoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS) CAF Confederation Cup Line-ups
- Nairobi United: Kevin Odour, Kevin Otiende, John Otieno, Lennox Ogutu, Nasri Yusuf, Brian Omondi, Lesley Owino, Enock Machaka, Ovella Ochieng, Michael Karamor, Duncan Omala.
- ESS: Ben Hassen, Hnid, Omija, Ferjani, Ouertani, Ben Choug, Aouani, Anen, Senghor, Chaabani.