Why Nairobi United technical director remains cautious despite humbling Tunisian giants in Nairobi
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 20.10.25. | 07:31
Should Nairobi United reach the group stage, it would mark their first time doing so at their debut attempt and the first for any Kenyan side since Gor Mahia achieved the feat in 2018
Nairobi United technical director, Salim Ali, has lauded his team’s performance in their 2-0 win over Tunisia’s Étoile du Sahel.
The two sides met on Sunday in a CAF Confederation Cup second-round first-leg match played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
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Goals from Ovella Ochieng, a stunning strike, and Duncan Omala gave Naibois a valuable advantage heading into the return leg in Tunis.
The Kenyan boys will be hoping to seal qualification for the group stage of Africa’s second-tier club competition.
Reflecting on the result, the former Mathare United coach described the win as a positive and expressed hope that the team can replicate their strong performance in the away leg.
“I think it is a good lead for us playing at home. We hope to maintain the same thing when we go away, and I believe that with the team we have and the character we have shown, we can do even better,” he stated.
“Leading 2-0 is a good thing. It is important that we did not concede. It is a bravo to the whole team. But we still have work to do.”
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United created numerous chances during the game and could easily have scored three or four more goals.
Salim admitted that his side should have converted more opportunities, especially in the first half, but attributed the misses to inexperience, noting that most of his players are still young and new to continental football.
“I believe in the first half, it could have been more. We could have scored more based on the chances we created. But we are okay with the two we got, and we will build on that. Remember, we have young players, and this stage is big for them. Every time they create chances, they learn, and with time, they will know how to take them better.”
He went on to dedicate the victory to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was laid to rest on the same day the match was played, as well as to the club’s patron, Johnson Sakaja.
“We dedicate today’s win to our late Mzee, Baba, and our patron Sakaja because they have motivated us to reach this level. For these kids, it is a good thing, and I believe getting such opportunities is important for their growth.”
Should Nairobi United reach the group stage, it would mark their first time doing so at their debut attempt and the first for any Kenyan side since Gor Mahia achieved the feat in 2018.
However, Salim insists that the team is not focused on history just yet.
“We are not really focused on chasing history. This will be our second away match for this team, and if we can have a good game in Tunis next week, I believe history will come by itself. For now, our focus is on that game. We want to have a different match, a different approach.”
Asked whether the team will adopt a more defensive approach in Tunis, Salim said they intend to maintain a balanced game plan, combining solid defense with attacking intent.
“We will play the same way. We will remain cautious. We attack, but we also defend well. The tactics are important, and we must maintain a good balance.”
