- Wydad Athletic Club vs Nairobi United face off in the 25/26 CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage opener.
- The match will be played on Sunday, November 23, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
- Kick off set for 10:00 PM EAT
Nairobi United FC enter a new chapter in their young history tonight when they take on Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club in their CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage opener at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, with kick-off set for 10PM EAT.
The Kenyan side, debuting in continental football, have already defied expectations by reaching the group stage at the first attempt.
They eliminated Tunisian powerhouse Étoile Sportive du Sahel in a dramatic penalty shootout, a tie that produced one of the early storylines of the competition. Goalkeeper Kevin Oduor became the hero of the night, saving two penalties before stepping up to score the winner.
ALSO READ: Nairobi United make history after qualifying for 25/26 Confederation Cup Group Stage
Wydad Athletic Club vs Nairobi United preview
Earlier in the preliminary round, Nairobi United knocked out Ugandan Premier League side NEC FC, proving their resilience in pressure matches.
Their opponents tonight, Wydad AC, need little introduction on the African stage.
The Casablanca-based side booked their place in the group stage after dismantling Ghana’s Asante Kotoko 5–1 in the second leg of their qualifying tie at the Mohammed V Stadium.
Domestically, Wydad have started the Botola Pro 1 campaign in strong fashion, leading the table with 20 points from eight matches.
They remain unbeaten, boasting six wins and two draws, with a tally of 14 goals scored and only five conceded. Their form and pedigree present a serious challenge for Nairobi United, who acknowledge the task ahead.
Nairobi United head into this fixture sitting seventh in the SportPesa League with 12 points from six matches, having won four and lost two.
ALSO READ: Nairobi United CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage fixtures & dates for 25/26 campaign
They have scored 10 goals and conceded seven;numbers that show attacking promise but also defensive vulnerabilities. Against a free-scoring Wydad side, maintaining discipline at the back will be crucial.
Wydad Athletic Club vs Nairobi United team news
Assistant coach Salim Ali stressed both respect and confidence ahead of the clash, saying;
Wydad Casablanca are a very experienced team, with a very good forward line, but they have weaknesses in their defence line. We will try and take advantage of their weaknesses and minimise their strengths. We know it is going to be a difficult game, but what matters is the 90 minutes. We have to be prepared enough and work well during the game.”
Nairobi United will be without defender Yusuf Mainge, who is suspended after accumulating three yellow cards.
Wydad, meanwhile, have been boosted by the return of Moroccan trio Mehdi Benabid, Hamza El Hanouri, and Mohamed Mofid, all of whom rejoined training after national reserve team duty, where they featured in dominant 6-0 and 7-0 wins over Djibouti.
For Nairobi United, much will depend on goalkeeper Kevin Oduor and winger Dancan Omala, who has been influential in earlier rounds, scoring against both NEC FC and Étoile du Sahel.
Wydad will look to their star-studded forward line, which includes South African international Thembinkosi Lorch and former Yanga playmaker Aziz Ki.
The historic first-ever meeting between the two clubs will be broadcast live on SuperSport and beIN Sports.
