Why Harambee Stars defender admits Étoile were lucky to escape heavy defeat in Nairobi
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 20.10.25. | 09:26
The towering defender remains optimistic that Étoile will overturn the deficit in front of their home fans in Tunisia
Étoile du Sahel’s Kenyan defender, Alphonce Omija, has admitted that they were fortunate to lose 2-0 against Nairobi United, in the CAF Confederation Cup second-round first-leg clash played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, on Sunday afternoon.
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The FKF Premier League side dominated the encounter from start to finish, with goals from Ovella Ochieng and Duncan Omala, on either side of halftime, sealing a well-deserved victory.
The return leg is scheduled for next Sunday, in Tunis, with the aggregate winner advancing to the group stage of the continental competition.
Despite the comfortable win, Nairobi United could have made the result even more emphatic from the chances created.
Omala missed a pair of good opportunities, while Michael Karamor and Shami Kibwana also came close.
Speaking after the match, Omija, a former Gor Mahia defender who joined Étoile du Sahel earlier this year, acknowledged that his team was lucky not to concede more goals.
“Yes, we were lucky, very lucky,” he admitted. “They missed many chances, but they will suffer in the second leg. It will not be easy for them.”
The towering defender remains optimistic that Étoile will overturn the deficit in front of their home fans in Tunisia.
He revealed that the team’s plan going into the first leg was to limit the damage and stay within reach of a comeback.
“When we started the game, the plan was that if we lost, we did not want to lose by more than two goals,” he explained. “That was on everyone’s mind, and even after the loss, we do not have any pressure ahead of the return leg. We are confident of getting a good result in the game.”
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Omija also issued a subtle warning to Nairobi United, suggesting that the Tunisian side will not make things easy when they meet again.
“I will welcome them well in Tunisia as a person, but I am not sure they will get a good reception from the rest,” he said with a smile.
Sunday’s defeat was Omija’s second consecutive loss to Nairobi United at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, having also been on the losing end in last season’s Mozzart Bet Cup final.
The defender admitted that facing the Kenyan side on home soil has not been easy, but he hopes to finally turn the tables in Tunis.
“It is painful because we wanted to get a good result, but it did not go our way,” he reflected. “I think personally, on this ground, they have overwhelmed me. I have not been successful against them here, but let’s try elsewhere and see how things will go.
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