CAF CC: Six takeaways from Nairobi United loss to Maniema
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Reading Time: 4min | Tue. 02.12.25. | 19:25
Mozzart Sport took a look at some of the lessons that can be deduced as expressed in this article
Nairobi United suffered a 1-0 home loss to DR Congo club Maniema in a CAF Confederation Cup (CAF CC) match that was played on Sunday 30 November at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani where several lessons could be learnt.
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A 66th minute strike by Mboma Kinda is all that the visitors needed to make it to six points from teo matches.
The win drew them closer to the quarter finals, alongside Group B leaders Wydad AC from Morocco.
As for Naibois, it was their second loss from as many games in the continental tournament leaving them rooted at the bottom of group B.
From the match, Mozzart Sport took a look at some of the lessons that can be deduced as expressed in this article.
Nairobi United blunt attack
Throughout the match, one thing came out clear, Nairobi United has a blunt attack, especially for continental assignment.
Naibois were clearly the better team in the first half, dominating play, quick and precise combination of passes, created overloads in wide areas, created several chances but one key ingredient was missing, the finishing touch.
It was either a misplaced pass in the final third, discomposure or just the attackers being unclinical as their loyal fans awaited fir someone to be the hero of the day.
Both Shami Kibwana, Michael Karamor and Duncan Omalla got opportunities to put the home side ahead but squandered their opportunities, a matter which would later haunt the team.
If the team is to compete and progress further in the competition, they must find a way to find the back of the net, something they have failed to achieve in their last two games.
Maniema on the other hand scored with their only big chance of the second half and grabbed the maximum points.
Experience is key at continental level
While Naibois dominated last sesson’s National Super League (NSL) to earn promotion to the top tier and most significantly lifted the Mozzart Bet Cup to qualify to CAF CC, their inadequate experience at top level played out.
When Naibois were on top of their game and launching attacks at Maniema, the visitors kept their composure, defended with discipline and awaited for their moment in the game, utilized their chance and walked home with the three points.
Still on the same, Naibois lost the match due to concentration lapses, at least according to coach Salim Ali and John Otieno.
Maximum concentration at that top level also comes with experience.
John Otieno growth
Nairobi United assistant captain Otieno who was leading the team on the day has continued to impress with each passing game.
The former Sofapaka defender was key in Naibois promotion as well as their triumph in the Mozzart Bet Cup and he looks to only be getting better.
Even when the team was under pressure and making mistakes at the back, Otieno was solid to not only cover their mistakes but also to encourage them snd lift the whole team’s spirit when they seemed weary.
The team will be banking on his character to carry them not only the continental journey but also in the FKF Premier League.
Substitution effect
Substitutions are a key component of a much since time immemorial and that was crystal clear in the Sunday afternoon clash.
After surviving Naibois’ attack in the first half and with no goals themselves, Mariema introduced Sylva Tshitenge and Kinda at halftime.
The two were impressive with the latter scoring the winner.
As for Naibois, their substitutes had little impact on the game, as the team faded with each ticking minute.
Ball Possession: Quality over Quantity
The home side saw much of the ball, 55% of possession as compared to the visitors’ 45%.
Naibois also had the most passing combinations and overloads on the flanks.
However, Maniema had the most significant statistic, the goal that separated the two sides at full time.
Home advantage is not automatic
In such a tournament, home matches are very crucial as many teams strive to win at home and grind results away in order to progress to the latter stages.
Teams enjoy home advantage in terms of weather, the fan base and general adaptability to the conditions.
However, for maximum, utilization of these conditions, the home side must strive to play in such a way that brings confidence and lifts the spirit of fans.
When numerous chances are lost, fans’ spirit is shuttered, the home crowd goes silent and the home advantage disappears as was the case at Kasarani.
