CAF CC: Nairobi United face Azam in last attempt to revive quarter final hopes
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 01.02.26. | 11:08
Ahead of the match, the Naibois have lost all three of their opening group fixtures,
Nairobi United face a Tanzanian side in a CAF Confederation Cup (CAF CC) Group B match scheduled for today, Sunday, 1 February, at the Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, with kickoff set for 1900 hrs.
The clash is a do-or-die affair for the reigning Mozzart Bet Cup champions, who must win to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.
Ahead of the match, the Naibois have lost all three of their opening group fixtures, going down 3–0 to Wydad AC, suffering a 1–0 defeat to Maniema, and losing 2–1 to Azam FC in their most recent outing.
As things stand, Wydad AC top Group B with nine points, three more than second-placed Maniema. Azam FC sit third with three points, while Nairobi United remain bottom of the group.
Today’s fixture marks the start of the return leg and is a repeat of last week’s encounter, which Azam won.
Dancun Omalla gave the Naibois the lead in the 13th minute, scoring the club’s first goal of the group stage, but strikes from Japhte Kitambala and an own goal by Ernest Mohammed on either side of halftime ensured Azam claimed all three points.
Nairobi United head coach Salim Ali is well aware of the challenge and remains confident his side can deliver a strong performance.
“We are prepared for the match and will do our best to secure a win. We have nothing to lose, and therefore we will work hard to get the three points if we are to remain in this competition,” said Ali.
Despite their situation, Ali expressed pride in his team’s achievements so far.
“In our first season in the competition and in the Kenyan top tier, we have reached the quarter-finals, which is a great achievement.
Our brothers Azam, for instance, have been trying to reach this stage for over five seasons, which shows how difficult it is,” he added.
For Azam FC head coach Florent Ibenge, victory against the Naibois is vital in the quest to reach the last four.
“Getting the three points remains our top objective. In our calculations, we intend to win all our remaining home matches and fight to get at least a point from our away fixtures,” the Congolese tactician explained.
