CAF CC: Nairobi United hosts Hakim Ziyech's Wydad AC in search for first point
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 08.02.26. | 09:07
As it stands, Wydad lead the group with nine points, level with second-placed Maniema and third-placed Azam.
Kenya will host its final CAF Confederation Cup match of the season as Mozzart Bet Cup defending champions Nairobi United take on Moroccan giants Wydad AC in a Group B encounter at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from 16:00 hours.
Nairobi United will be aiming to secure at least a point from the match to finish their otherwise impressive debut campaign on a high, while Wydad will be looking to seal top spot in the group.
As it stands, Wydad lead the group with nine points, level with second-placed Maniema and third-placed Azam. The three teams are separated only by goal difference, although Wydad have played a game less.
Nairobi United sit at the bottom of the group with zero points from four matches, making today’s encounter a dead rubber for them.
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The Naibois, competing in their first CAF Confederation Cup season, are determined to end their group stage on a positive note, hoping to gain at least a point.
The Johnson Sakaja-backed side have scored just one goal in the group stage – Dancun Omalla’s opener in their 2-1 home loss to Azam on 25 January.
Coach Salim Ali will be concerned that his team enters the match on a poor run of form, having lost their last three matches, the most recent being a 2-1 defeat to Mozzart Bet-powered APS Bomet in the FKF Premier League.
However, the former Mathare United tactician remains confident in his side’s preparation.
“Each match is a learning process. There are takeaways we have had from this group stage, and it has really pushed the team forward. For the match against Wydad, we want to have an honourable ending at home,” Ali said.
The experienced coach added that facing Wydad provides a blueprint for where Nairobi United would like to be.
“There is a standard that Wydad has set in Africa. For us, it is a benchmark. If we can emulate even a fraction of what Wydad has achieved, I think it represents growth for Kenya and East Africa,” he stated.
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Midfielder Brian Magare said playing against stars they grew up watching, such as former Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, motivates the team further.
“We have had incredible training and good preparation from the coaches. We feel ready. We are playing a strong side with players we have been watching abroad. We are excited to face them. It is a challenging match, but we will give our best and hopefully get the result we want,” Magare said.
For Wydad coach Mohamed Amine, topping the group provides no guarantee of an easy game, as Nairobi United could still cause an upset.
“Being in first place does not give us an advantage for this match because the standings reflect what we have done previously, not what we still need to do. Tomorrow’s match is very important, and we must play with intelligence and maturity. Despite being at the bottom of the table, Nairobi is a very good team with real quality, though they lack a bit of luck,” Amine said.
The Red Castle tactician noted that their last-minute defeat against Maniema was a result of lapses in concentration at the highest level.
“In this type of competition, every match is difficult. If we do not play at 100%, we may face difficulties. We must show intensity and focus. After three victories, the defeat in the last match reminded us that we can never drop our level and that nothing is guaranteed,” he added.
Nairobi United will face Maniema in their final group match, while Wydad will host Azam in a high-stakes encounter on Sunday, 15 February.
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