Debutants Nairobi United FC are on the brink of history as they face Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the decisive second leg of the 25/26 CAF Confederation Cup Second Preliminary Round tie at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse, Tunisia, on Sunday night.
The tie comes just a week after the Kenyan side stunned the Tunisian giants 2-0 behind closed doors at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, courtesy of goals from Ovella Ochieng and teenage sensation Duncan Omalla.
The result put Nairobi United in a strong position to qualify for the group stage in what is their debut continental campaign, following a staggering season that saw them qualify for the tournament while still competing in the second-tier league in Kenya.
Etoile du Sahel vs Nairobi United Preview
Before facing Etoile, Nairobi United narrowly advanced past Uganda’s NEC FC on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw.
Etoile, on the other hand, had a smoother passage, comfortably dispatching Sudan’s Al-Madani 3-1 on aggregate to book a spot in the final round.
The fixture marks only the second-ever meeting between the two clubs. However, while Etoile boasts of a decorated continental record with nine CAF titles, their recent form paints a different picture.
The Tunisian heavyweights are winless in their last five matches, including a 2-1 league defeat to Olympique Béja earlier this week.
They have managed just two wins in their last six games and are adjusting to new head coach Mohamed Ali Nafkha who replaced Lassad Dridi shortly before the first-leg defeat in Nairobi.
ALSO READ: Alphonce Omija completes move to Tunisia’s Etoile Sportive du Sahel
For Nairobi United, momentum is on their side. The Kenyan outfit has registered three wins, two draws and one loss in their last six matches across all competitions, scoring in every game except a 1-0 league loss to Bidco United.
They remain confident but grounded ahead of their biggest challenge yet.
With head coach Nicholas Muyoti ineligible to lead the team as head coach in CAF competitions due to licensing requirements, Salim Ali has stepped in as a stand-in coach.
The experienced tactician admits his side expects a tough battle in front of a sold-out Sousse crowd known for its passionate and intimidating atmosphere.
What was said ahead of the game
“It will be difficult, very hostile. The fans here are very rowdy,” Ali said ahead of the clash.
“But at the end of the day, it’s 90 minutes on the pitch. We’re working to keep our players focused and concentrated despite the pressure. We can’t rely too much on the 2-0 advantage.
If we relax, we’ll be punished. It’s a fight for 90 minutes, and that’s what will push the players.”
Ali added that his squad’s mentality remains sharp, driven by the desire to make history and make Kenya proud.
“It’s our second CAF away game, and I believe we’ll get a goal because of the energy and motivation in camp. The players know what’s at stake, they want to make Kenya proud.”
The tactician also confirmed that Ugandan midfielder Shafic Ssebyala will miss the match due to an ankle injury.
“We are fit as a team, but Shaffik picked up an ankle injury and didn’t travel with us. We have a replacement, though, because we wanted players who are fully fit for 90 minutes.”
All tickets for the clash have reportedly been sold out, ensuring a packed and intense atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium.
Nairobi United head into the fixture as Kenya’s sole remaining representative in CAF club competitions, following Kenya Police’s elimination from the CAF Champions League by Sudanese giants Al Hilal after an aggregate 4-1 defeat.
The aggregate winner between Etoile Sportive du Sahel and Nairobi United will book a coveted spot in the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage, marking a potentially historic milestone for the Kenyan side.
ALSO READ: Real Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction: La Liga Preview, Team News, Key Stats & H2H
What will Nairobi United get by making it to the CAF CC Group Stage?
Nairobi United stand to collect a minimum of around 51 million shillings for getting to the group stage of the Confederation Cup.
It will also mark only the second time a Kenyan club has made it to the group stage after Gor Mahia’s achievement in 2018 when they beat South Africa’s SuperSport United.