Salim Ali talks up Nairobi United’s chances ahead of high-stakes Azam clash
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 25.01.26. | 09:32
The eagerly awaited East African derby is set to kick off at 4:00 PM and promises to be a high-stakes continental encounter as the Naibois chase their first win in the group stages
MozzartBet Cup winners Nairobi United will face Tanzanian giants Azam FC in a crucial CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage clash on Sunday, 25 January, at Nyayo Stadium.
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The eagerly awaited East African derby is set to kick off at 4:00 PM and promises to be a high-stakes continental encounter as the Naibois chase their first win in the group stages.
Nairobi completed their final training session on Saturday, with confidence high in the camp ahead of the must-win fixture.
Soon after training, club patron and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja joined the team for a morning walk, using the opportunity to motivate the players ahead of the showdown.
“We are building an institution at this team. We are proud of the progress so far and tomorrow we will be fully behind you as you play against Azam,” Sakaja said.
“I call upon all Kenyans to turn up in large numbers at Kasarani Stadium to support the team. Nairobi United are representing the country, and I urge all football fans to throng Kasarani and cheer our boys to victory,” he added.
Speaking during the team’s final media engagement, head coach Salim Ali and midfielder Lesley Otieno expressed confidence that the team is well prepared and mentally ready to secure all three points.
“We have had good results in recent matches, and the team is well prepared to go for our first win in the Confederation Cup. With the recent restructuring of the squad, we believe we have what it takes to get maximum points,” Salim said.
The tactician noted that the inclusion of CAF A-licensed coach Godfrey Oduor and in-form striker Benson Omalla has significantly boosted squad depth and tactical flexibility.
“The team has made very positive adjustments. Coach Godfrey Oduor brings vast experience from his time in Sudan with Jasmus FC, as well as KCB FC and the national U17 team. His input will be very important in how we approach this match,” Salim added.
Nairobi have also strengthened their squad with the signing of Harambee Stars forward Benson Omalla, who finished as the 2023/2024 Kenyan Premier League top scorer with 19 goals, as well as Ugandan imports Charles Moses Waibi and Christopher Kizza. Veteran Roy Okal and former Kariobangi Sharks defender Steve Biko Omollo have also joined the side.
Midfielder Lesley Otieno said the team is ready to play attacking football and embrace the challenge posed by the experienced Tanzanian side.
“We know Azam have experience in continental competitions, but we are confident we can get the job done. It will be a midfield battle, and we want to dominate possession and make it count,” Otieno said.
“We have quality players like Benson Omalla, a proven goalscorer. Tomorrow, we are representing Kenya, and we are determined to give the country the result they desire,” he added.
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