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For Baba: Nairobi United take giant step towards Confed Cup group stage
Nairobi United players pose for a team photo before the Mozzart Bet Cup final match against Gor Mahia at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi June 29, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Nairobi United beat Tunisian side Etoile Sportive du Sahel 2-0 at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Sunday.
- The Tunisian giants had former Kariobangi Sharks and Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija in their squad.
Nairobi United added a new legend to their 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup adventure with a 2-0 win over 11-time Tunisian champions Etoile Sportive du Sahel in their second preliminary round match at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Sunday.
Former Kariobangi Sharks and AFC Leopards winger Ovella Ochieng’ opened the scoring in the 37th minute.
He was involved in Nairobi United’s second goal in the 52nd minute after Etoile du Sahel failed to clear his corner, allowing Nai Bois’ captain to pounce and smash home the rebound.
Mustafa Kizza (left of Uganda’s NEC vies for the ball with Nairobi United’s Ovella Ochieng during their CAF Confederation Cup match at Nyayo Stadium on September 27.
The match observed minute’s silence in memory of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who passed away on Wednesday in India and was laid to rest in Bondo on Sunday.
United nicknamed “Nai Bois” dedicated their win to Odinga, celebrating while holding a jersey emblazoned “Baba 80”. Odinga was affectionately known as “Baba” and had died at the age of 80.
Nairobi United would have won by a bigger margin but Etoile du Sahel’s goalkeeper Sabri Ben Hsan was alert to save attempts by Dancan Oluoch and Enock Machaka.
Ochieng’ would have notched a brace but hit the far post from a tight angle in the 85th minute.
Etoile du Sahel, who had former Kariobangi Sharks and Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija starting for them, were strong in the early stages of the match but were kept at bay by resolute defending by Nairobi United.
After the match, Nairobi United coach Salim Ali said that his team should have won by a bigger margin.
“We missed so many chances, especially in the first half. We have a young team that is learning and growing. The positive thing is that they are creating chances at the moment. Their conversion rate will get better with time,” Ali said.
Nairobi United players warmup before the Mozzart Bet Cup final match against Gor Mahia at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi June 29, 2025.
“We dedicate today’s victory to the late Raila Odinga and out patron Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. We were motivated to win this match for them,” Ali said.
The return leg will be held next weekend in Sousse, Tunisia.
“We keep the same approach. We want to play with same commitment and morale. We will attack but we will also be cautious since we know we have to defend. If we do so, history will come,” Ali looked ahead.
Nairobi United midfielder Brian Omondi, echoed his coach’s remarks.
“We know we have to be cautious but it is also important that we attack and score one or two goals,” he said.
Etoile du Sahel coach Mohamed Ali Nafka could not hide his disappointment and promised “revenge” in Sousse.
“We must react in Tunisia and overturn this result. We had a long travel before today’s match but it is no excuse because we are used to playing and beating big teams. We have to be at 200 per cent in the return leg,” Nafkha, who has won one CAF Champions League and one CAF Confederation Cup title with Etoile du Sahel, said.
He described Omija’ as “a good player with a good mentality”.
“He is an important player for us. He is an international player and that works well for us too,” Nakha said.
Omija admitted that Etoile du Sahel was fortunate to lose 2-0 but promised Nairobi United mayhem when they meet again in Sousse.
