Teenage sensation Duncan Omalla once again announced his growing importance to Nairobi United despite the SportPesa League side suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Azam FC in their CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage clash at Nyayo Stadium.
Omalla continued his remarkable run of form by scoring his fifth goal in six matches across all competitions, giving Nairobi United a historic moment on a tough afternoon.
Although the result went against them, the youngster’s composure and confidence on the continental stage stood out as a major positive for head coach Salim Ali and his technical bench.
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Coach Salim named an attacking front three of Michael Karamor, Ovella Ochieng’, and Duncan Omalla, with Ernest Mohammed starting between the posts.
The match also marked the return of left-back Kevin Otiende, who had missed the previous league encounter through injury. On the opposite side, Azam FC lined up with Iddi Nado and Jephte Kitambala leading the attack, supported by influential midfielder Feisal “Fei Toto” Salum.
Nairobi United fall to Azam FC at Nyayo
Nairobi United started brightly and showed intent from the opening minutes. In the fifth minute, Ovella Ochieng’ delivered a dangerous cross from the left that forced Azam into conceding a corner.
From the resulting set-piece, John Otieno rose highest but his header drifted inches wide, narrowly missing the target.
The hosts were rewarded moments later. A well-weighted pass from Enock Machaka found Michael Karamor, who quickly spotted the run of Omala. The 19-year-old needed just one touch to guide a calm finish into the far left corner, leaving Tanzanian international goalkeeper Foba rooted to the spot.
The goal not only gave Nairobi United the lead but also marked their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage goal, a milestone moment for the club.
However, the celebrations were short-lived. Azam responded with increased urgency, and in the 17th minute, Jephte Kitambala capitalized on a loose ball inside the six-yard box to level the scores.
The Congolese forward’s quick reaction punished Nairobi United’s lapse in concentration.
Azam grew into the game thereafter, with Fei Toto pulling the strings in midfield. One of his mazy runs left his marker on the ground before he delivered a dangerous cut-back that seemed destined for Kitambala, only for Lenox Ogutu to clear the danger at the last moment.
Despite efforts from both sides, neither could find a breakthrough before halftime, and the teams went into the break locked at 1-1.
At the restart, Coach Salim handed Benson Omalla his debut, replacing Michael Karamor, while Azam head coach Florent Ibenge introduced Zidane Sereri for Diakhite. The second half saw Azam dominate possession, pushing Nairobi United deeper into their own half as they searched for a winning goal.
Nairobi United defended bravely, with Kevin Otiende producing a crucial goal-line clearance in the 73rd minute to deny Azam what looked like a certain goal. The hosts later felt hard done by when their appeals for a penalty were waved away in the closing stages.
Salim Ali made further changes, introducing Muhadjiri Hakizimana and Titus Ssematimba for Roy Okal and Enock Machaka, but Azam eventually found the breakthrough. In the 83rd minute, a shot from captain Himid Mao struck the post and rebounded off goalkeeper Ernest Mohammed into the net for an unfortunate own goal.
Azam managed the final minutes professionally, making tactical substitutions to run down the clock and secure a historic 2-1 victory, their first-ever win in the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage.
The defeat leaves Nairobi United still searching for points in the group after earlier losses to Wydad Casablanca and AS Maniema Union. Coach Salim Ali’s side will now shift focus to the return fixture against Azam FC away in Zanzibar on 1st February 2026, hoping to regroup and finally get their continental campaign back on track.