Six lessons learned from Nairobi United's narrow defeat to Wydad

Mozzart Bet Cup defending champions, Nairobi United, played host to African giants Wydad AC in a CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) match played on Sunday, 8 February at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, leaving us with plenty of lessons to pick.

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In a thrilling match that ended 1-0 in favour of the visitors, there were players who stood out, bitter moments, as well as outstanding events beyond the pitch.

Understandably, former Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech stole the headlines before, during and after the match for his stature as one of Africa's best players.

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The Netherlands-born winger was in Chelsea’s historic 2021 UEFA Champions League winning squad as well as one of the key players in Morocco's 2022 FIFA World Cup squad that made history as both the first African and Arab side to reach the semi-final.

The 32-year-old was a teammate of Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga at Al Duhail before leaving in May 2025 to join Wydad five months later.

With many talking points from the match, Mozzart Sport, who extensively covered the match, takes a look at six key takeaways from the encounter.

Naibois managed to frustrate Hakim Ziyech

Ziyech’s quality has never been in doubt, having proved himself on the global stage, representing Chelsea in the EPL, Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

One of Naibois’ areas of focus was to silence or reduce the effectiveness of the 2016 Moroccan Footballer of the Year if they were to survive the Wydad threat.

While silencing him entirely is almost impossible, as the winger had moments of brilliance, he was reduced to operating from deep in midfield, given right man-marking in the final third, as he was only effective during free kicks.

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In the end, the former Galatasaray man was left frustrated and had little impact in the match and was eventually subbed off in the 65th minute, where he expressed his disappointment by kicking a water bottle.

Steve Biko proves to be a worthy signing

Nairobi United went on a spending spree in the January mid-season transfer window, with an aim of bolstering the team to effectively compete in the CAF CC, FKF Premier League and defend the Mozzart Bet Cup.

One of the signings was that of Steve Biko, a central defender from the 2018 Mozzart Bet Cup winners Kariobangi Sharks.

The versatile defender was used as a right back in his first four games at the club, but with a leaking central defense, coach Salim Ali deployed him to his preferred central defense role with John Otieno dropping to the bench.

On a day where he was facing his biggest career test, coming up against quality players including former Chelsea and Watford stars Hakim Ziyech and Noureddine Amrabat, respectively, Biko put in a solid performance until the 93rd minute when he was red-carded for a cynical foul.

In Biko, Naibois made an important signing.

Age is just a number, at least for Amrabat

In the recent past, players tended to hang boots quite early due to the speed and high intensity involved in matches, especially at the highest level.

However, that continues not to be the case with Wydad AC captain Noureddine Amrabat, who, despite being 38 years old, gave a solid shift, running up and down the Kasarani pitch with high intensity, akin to that of a young player.

Together with Ziyech, they provided an attacking threat on Wydad’s right side of attack and led the team with great admiration.

Inexperience cost Nairobi United, once again

Throughout their CAF CC group matches, one thing has become clear for Nairobi United: they have not lost due to their lack of quality but due to their inexperience at that high level.

The inexperience has displayed in terms of the mistakes that lead to them conceding, the chances lost and sometimes the lapse in concentration.

While the team has done exceedingly well generally, a consistent appearance in continental competitions would help improve the team further over time.

Wydad ultras steal the show

The Wydad AC ultras stole the show at Kasarani with their vociferous support and backing of their team.

From the first minute to the last, hundreds of fans made deafening chants behind the goal post at gate 6, overshadowing the many Naibois fans in the stadium.

Their star moment came in the 83rd minute when they lit flares that made so much noise that the match had to be paused.

While the club may face charges for their behaviour, their support for the team cannot be questioned.

Naibois got it right on organisation

One of the game's key aspects is the successful organisation of matches, from ticketing, access and fan experience in a football match.

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When all these processes are done with ease and professionalism, it encourages fans and stakeholders to attend matches.

As young as they are, the Johnson Sakaja-backed club has demonstrated great organisation throughout their matches; from media experience to fans' access and to hospitality, the team’s management deserves a round of applause.

In fact, their hospitality was hailed by their visitors, who issued a statement of appreciation.

“Wydad Athletic Club extends its sincere thanks to President Osman Abdi, the Nairobi United committee, and the club’s supporters for the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality shown to our team in Nairobi.

The excellent organisation, availability, and passion of the public truly reflected the values of respect and sporting fraternity. We wish Nairobi United continued success,” reads the statement.