Historic night as Nairobi United reach CAF Confederation Cup group stage, set to bag tens of millions
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 26.10.25. | 23:04
The Mozzart Bet Cup champions defied all odds to reach the group stages of the tournament in their maiden appearance
Debutants Nairobi United scripted a historic chapter in their football journey after sealing a maiden CAF Confederation Cup group stage berth in their first-ever appearance in continental football.
The Mozzart Bet Cup champions edged out Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel 7-6 on post-match penalties, following a tense 2-0 defeat in Sousse on Sunday,26 October evening that leveled the tie 2-2 on aggregate.
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Hero of the night, goalkeeper Kevin Oduor, produced a goalkeeping masterclass, saving two penalties and stepping up to score the decisive spot kick, to send the Nicholas Muyoti-coached side into the lucrative group phase.
Their remarkable progression comes with a significant financial boost, as the club is set to pocket Kshs 51 million in prize money from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
With Étoile chasing a two-goal deficit from the first leg in Nairobi, the hosts began aggressively at Stade Olympique de Sousse.
In just the 11th minute, Duncan Omalla almost silenced the home crowd after connecting well with an Ovella Ochieng cross, but the forward, brother to Harambee Stars striker Benson Omalla, failed to convert into an empty net.
Moments later, Étoile’s skipper Ben Amor tested United’s backline with a fierce effort from the edge of the area, only for Brian Mzee to make a crucial block.
Nairobi responded swiftly through a blistering counterattack led by Omalla and Ovella, but the latter’s curling effort was comfortably handled by goalkeeper Ben Hanssen.
The Tunisians continued to press, with Moussa Senghor and Ryan Anen threatening from set pieces, yet United’s backline,anchored by Lennox Ogutu and John Otieno stood firm.
Four minutes before halftime, Michael Karamor nearly broke the deadlock for United, racing onto Ovella’s cross but failing to direct his effort on target.
At the other end, Alphonce Omija squandered a golden chance for Étoile, denied by a quick recovery from Yusuf Mainge as the first half ended goalless.
The hosts restarted strongly and took the lead ten minutes into the second half through Mohamed Ryan Anen, who latched onto a loose ball inside the box to make it 1-0.
Étoile, buoyed by the home crowd, nearly doubled their lead through Amor, but his effort flew narrowly wide.
Nairobi United almost restored parity when Omalla connected with a Enock Machaka delivery, only for Naim Hnid to produce a vital interception.
Étoile threw everything forward in the closing stages, and their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time.
Anen once again rose highest to head home a late goal, leveling the aggregate 2-2 and sending the tie to a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Frank Ouya missed one of United’s early kicks, but teammates John Otieno, Brian Magare, Brian Mzee, Chris Opondo, and Lennox Ogutu all converted.
Goalkeeper Kevin Oduor then etched his name into Nairobi United’s folklore, saving two crucial penalties before confidently dispatching the winning spot kick—to seal a 7-6 triumph and ignite wild celebrations among the traveling contingent.
The victory marks a watershed moment for the ambitious Kenyan side, who have become the latest club from the country to make it to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.
Beyond the continental recognition, Nairobi United’s historic feat also delivers a massive financial windfall, with CAF awarding USD 350,000 (approximately Ksh 51 million) to all group-stage participants, a timely boost for the ambitious side.
