- Nairobi United vs Maniema Union was played on Sunday, November 30, and it went Maniema’s way as they narrowly won 0-1.
- The match was staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
- James Mboma came off the bench to score the solitary goal for the DR Congo side.
Nairobi United’s struggles in the CAF Confederation Cup continued after they suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union in their second Group Stage match at Kasarani Stadium.
The SportPesa League side, who are making their debut in continental football, were hoping to bounce back from their 3-0 loss to Wydad Casablanca in Morocco but once again failed to capitalize on their chances.
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Head coach Salim Ali made a few changes to the squad, including the return of right back Yusuf Mainge, who missed the opener due to accumulated yellow cards.
In midfield, Brian Magare stepped in for the suspended Brian Omondi, who was red-carded against Wydad Casablanca.
Nairobi United vs Maniema Union report
Both teams started the match with composure, but Maniema Union were the first to threaten. Mbala Titan whipped in a dangerous cross in the 4th minute, forcing Nairobi United to concede an early corner.
Nairobi United slowly settled into the game, with left back Kevin Otiende combining well with midfielder Lesley Owino in a series of neat exchanges.
Clement Pitroipa then released Christian Mbalako with a clever through ball, but the Maniema Union forward delayed his shot, wasting a clear opportunity to put the visitors ahead.
Maniema Union continued to dominate possession. Another chance fell to Mbalako from a low cross by Pitroipa, but with only goalkeeper Kevin Oduor to beat, he fired wide.
Nairobi United responded through Enock Machaka, whose driven cross narrowly missed the far post with striker Michael Karamor arriving just late.
Duncan Omala showed pace on the right, beating his marker before sending a shot inches wide of the far corner. Moments later, Otiende delivered a brilliant cross that the Maniema defence scrambled away under pressure.
In the 40th minute, Karamor found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Detan Ogundare, but his effort from a tight angle was comfortably saved, keeping the scores level at halftime.
Maniema Union made early second-half changes, with Mbala and Mbalako replaced by Mboma and Tshitenge clear evidence of coach Papy Kimoto’s attacking intent.
The substitution paid off immediately. In the 66th minute, James Mboma broke the deadlock, firing into the net to give Maniema Union a 1-0 lead.
Nairobi United pushed for a response, and coach Salim Ali introduced Chris Opondo and Majaliwa Charo for Machaka and Omala.
He later withdrew Shami Kibwana, who had been wasteful in front of goal. Despite the late pressure, Ogundare stood firm in the Maniema Union goal.
Late in the match, Chadoma was substituted for Lina as Maniema looked to protect their lead. Nairobi United continued to press but lacked the cutting edge needed to draw level.
In the end, Nairobi United were left to rue their missed chances.
Wastefulness in front of goal proved costly, and they now face an uphill battle in the group. The team will hope to regroup and bounce back next year when they travel to face Azam FC in their third Group Stage match.