CAFCC: Nairobi United suffer heavy defeat in group stage debut as Wydad run riot
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 24.11.25. | 07:08
Nairobi United's Shami Kibwana and Enock Machaka would have found the back of the net but wasted clear cut chances
Former champions Wydad Athletic Club showcased their pedigree with a dominant 3–0 victory over debutants Nairobi United in a thrilling CAF Confederation Cup group-stage encounter staged on Sunday,23 November at Laribi Zaouli Stadium.
Playing in front of their home supporters, Wydad stamped their authority from the first whistle, setting the tone for a performance that underlined their experience on the continental stage.
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Wydad’s early pressure bore fruit almost instantly, with Ayoub Boucheta opening the scoring inside three minutes.
The forward reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, tucking home calmly to hand the Moroccan giants a dream start.
The hosts nearly doubled their lead seven minutes later when former Yanga SC midfield talisman Stephane Aziz Ki combined neatly with Boucheta before firing a stinging effort from just outside the six-yard area, forcing Nairobi United goalkeeper Kevin Oduor into a good save.
Despite spending much of the early exchanges on the back foot, Nairobi United carved out a meaningful chance before the quarter-hour mark.
Shami Kibwana, formerly of Tusker and Kakamega Homeboyz, was released through on goal by Enock Machaka, but blasted his effort wide, wasting what was arguably their best opening of the half.
That miss sparked Wydad back into life, as they resumed their relentless assault.
South African attacker Thembinkosi Lorch came close to doubling the lead but was denied by an alert Oduor.
Moments later, Nordin Amrabat found Aziz Ki with a clever pass, only for the Burkinabè playmaker to drag his shot wide.
The second breakthrough eventually arrived after sustained pressure.
Right-back Mohamed Bouchouari, one of Wydad’s newest recruits, curled in a delightful effort that beat Oduor at full stretch to make it 2–0.
The well-taken goal sent the home side into the halftime break firmly in control.
The second half maintained the high tempo, with Nairobi United pushing numbers forward in search of a response.
Duncan Omalla, the younger brother of former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla, tried his luck from range, his effort narrowly missing the target.
Nairobi’s next opportunity fell to Machaka, who latched onto a delivery from Kibwana, but again the attempt flew off target as the Kenyan champions struggled to find composure in the final third.
Wydad, mature and disciplined in their approach, sealed the result late in the contest.
Substitute Mohamed Rayhi capitalised on a defensive lapse, slotting home the third goal with precision to put the tie beyond doubt and hand Wydad a commanding start to their CAFCC campaign.
For Nairobi United, the defeat served as a sobering reality check in their maiden appearance at this level.
While for Wydad, it was a statement of intent,one that reaffirmed why they remain one of the continent’s most respected sides.
