- Nairobi United brace for tough Wydad challenge in a clash that will test the team’s resilience and ambition.
- The SportPesa League side will be making their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage.
Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti knows exactly what awaits his side in Morocco, but he remains optimistic that his boys can rise to the occasion when they face Wydad AC in their 25/26 CAF Confederation Cup group stage opener on the 23 November at the Mohammed V Stadium.
Nairobi United are set to make their group stage debut in the CAF Confederation Cup after an impressive run that saw them eliminate Tunisian giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the final preliminary round.
The dramatic qualification was secured after a tense penalty shootout where goalkeeper Kevin Oduor emerged as the hero. The achievement also made Nairobi United the first Kenyan team in seven years to reach the group stage of a CAF competition since Gor Mahia last did it in 2018.
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Nairobi United brace for tough Wydad challenge
Nairobi United are placed in Group B, which includes AS Maniema from DR Congo, Azam from Tanzania and Moroccan heavyweights Wydad. Although it is the club’s first appearance at this stage, they have shown tremendous character to get this far.
Coach Muyoti admits the test ahead will be massive, especially with Wydad’s experience and pedigree in African football, but he insists his players are mentally ready for what awaits them.
“We are expecting a very tough match. They are playing at home and from our experience against Etoile du Sahel, we know how difficult these games can be.
We have prepared psychologically, and my players understand what they are going to face. Wydad are a big team, they have played in the Champions League and the Confederation Cup many times, so they know what this stage demands.
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It will be tough, but we will prepare the boys well and hope to come out with something. We will try our best because anything is possible,” said Muyoti.
The coach believes Nairobi United can be the surprise package of the group despite being labelled underdogs and having a relatively inexperienced squad.
“It is our first time in the competition and so far the boys have done well together. It is a big plus for us. From the start, many people did not believe we could reach this stage, but we have defied the odds.
We know we are facing a very good and experienced team. Most of my players are young, but this is great experience for them. I look back at when we won the cup, we faced top SportPesa League teams and still managed to go all the way.
So whatever challenge lies ahead, we will give our best and aim to get something out of the game,” he added.
Muyoti remains firm that his team will not be intimidated by any of the opponents in Group B and believes they have what it takes to compete.
“It is not an easy group. AS Maniema, Azam and Wydad are seasoned teams. We expect tough opponents, but we are also a tough side. I am happy the players are ready physically and mentally to challenge for everything. It will be tough, but we are also tough,” he said.
Nairobi United will begin their group stage campaign away in Morocco on the 23rd before returning to Nyayo Stadium on 30th November to host AS Maniema.
Muyoti will be hoping the team can begin their continental journey on a positive note and continue dreaming big on the African stage.
