CAF CC: Nairobi United face Azam in first-win hunt
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 25.01.26. | 10:10
Heading into the match, Tunisian side Wydad AC sit top of Group B with six points, level with DR Congo outfit Maniema Union, while Azam FC and Nairobi United occupy the bottom two positions.
The CAF Confederation Cup group stage returns to Kenya today, Sunday 25 January, with reigning Mozzart Bet Cup champions Nairobi United hosting Tanzanian side Azam FC in a Group B match at Nyayo National Stadium from 4pm.
Nairobi United qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup after defeating Kenyan giants Gor Mahia in the final of the 2025 Mozzart Bet Cup.
The FKF Premier League newcomers continued their impressive run in the preliminary rounds to reach the group stage, marking Kenya’s return to the competition at this level for the first time since 2018, when Gor Mahia last featured.
However, Nairobi United are yet to register a win or score a goal in the group phase and will be looking to change that against Azam FC, who are also winless and goalless heading into the afternoon encounter.
Heading into the match, Tunisian side Wydad AC sit top of Group B with six points, level with DR Congo outfit Maniema Union, while Azam FC and Nairobi United occupy the bottom two positions.
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With only the top two teams progressing to the quarter-finals, the Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja backed side will be eager to make the most of home advantage and secure maximum points to keep their qualification hopes alive, a reality head coach Salim Ali is fully aware of.
“This is a must win match for us. We lost our first two group games and now we have to win at home to improve our chances of reaching the quarter-finals. We have to perform well at home. Once we do that, the results will come. The three points would change our fortunes,” said Salim during his pre match press conference.
The former Mathare United coach also urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to support the team.
“This is not just Nairobi United playing. It is a Kenyan team representing the country. If we get fans from across the country to come and support us, it will make a big difference. The twelfth man plays a huge role in matches like these,” he added.
Midfielder Lesley Otieno echoed his coach’s sentiments and expressed confidence in the team’s readiness.
“We have gained valuable experience from our first two matches and the team is ready to use that to secure a win. We are calling on fans to come out and support us,” said Otieno.
Nairobi United will also rely on the experience of new signings Mustapha Kizza, Charles Waini, Roy Okal and Benson Omalla.
Azam FC, on the other hand, are under pressure to secure a positive result following heavy investment in the squad and their greater continental experience.
The Tanzanian side are competing in the CAF Confederation Cup for the fifth consecutive season and head coach Florent Ibenge, who previously won the competition with RS Berkane, will be keen to use his experience to revive Azam’s campaign.
“For me, the competition is not finished yet. We started slowly and lost our first two matches but we still have four games to play and we are targeting wins in those games. Against Nairobi United, we want to win and if things do not go our way then a draw will be acceptable but not a loss,” said Ibenge.
The Congolese tactician also dismissed claims that the club is under pressure from management to reach the quarter-finals.
“Our initial target this season was to reach the group stage, which we have already achieved. We want to go even further but we are not under any pressure. We have prepared well and we are coming for either a win or a draw. If the opponents are better than us and win, we will congratulate them. What matters most is the project we are building and the team we are shaping,” he said.
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