Nairobi United seek to kick-start campaign against DRC club

Nairobi United’s coach, Salim Ali, believes a win against AS Maniema of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group ‘B’ of the 2025/2026 CAF Confederation Cup will set the pace for the Kenyan side that has set for itself a minimum target of reaching the quarter-final of the competition. 

Nairobi United play the Congolese side in their second match of Group ‘B’ from 4pm on Sunday at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.

Whereas AS Maniema beat Tanzanian side Azam FC 2-0 in their first game of the group six days ago in Kinshasa, Nairobi United went lost 3-0 to 2002 CAF Confederation Cup champions Wydad Casablanca in Morocco. 

On Saturday, coach Ali, an experienced coach who has handled local sides Mathare United, Ulinzi Stars and Sofapaka, among other teams, said Nairobi United has set for itself a target of winning all its home matches, and avoiding a loss in away matches.

Ali believes this will set the team on the path to qualifying for the quarter-finals of Africa’s second-tier Club competition either as Group ‘B’ runners-up, or as the top team.

“This game will not be easy, given that our opponent is also an established side which won against Azam in their first game. What is key, however, is that we have to win our home matches, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so to keep our campaign going,” Ali observed.

Read: CAF Cup windfall: Nairobi United to get Sh51 million after historic group stage run

He bemoaned his team’s lack of experience in playing at the continental level, something he said cost his team against Wydad Casablanca. 

“In these Caf matches, experience comes as you compete, so this time we have to do better given the home support, and also given that we learnt from our mistakes in Morocco. We have to be very confident with the ball, hold the ball, switch play, and tactically attack,” he added.

Fight for victory

Ali does not have any injury concerns in his squad ahead of today’s match. He has urged his players to fight for victory on the pitch.

Midfielder Enock Machaka hopes the solid preparation that the team has had this week will carry them to victory.

“We lost our first match of the group, and this is now an opportunity to put our campaign back on track. It would be good if we can score goals and win our home matches, then fight for a favourable result away,” said Machaka.

But even as Nairobi United seek to take all three points at home, AS Maniema’s coach, Papy Kimoto, is hoping to ride on the momentum from his team’s win against Azam.

“We won at home and this is our first away game. It is a major test which we have to overcome. Bagging all three points on offer tomorrow (Sunday) will give us a head start in the group, which I must acknowledge is very competitive,” said Kimoto.

Coach Kimoto warned his players against complacency, saying the group has no underdogs since Nairobi United have shown resilience by making it to the group stage of the competition on their first attempt.

Read: How we did it: Nairobi United reveal secrets of success against Tunisia side

“They (Nairobi United) are a tough side and are at home so we have to play our game and ensure we don’t concede but win. It will be a game which shall be decided by tactical masterclass of either side,” he observed.

This will be the first meeting between the two sides as Nairobi United targets to emulate and surpass Gor Mahia’s run to the quarter-final stage of the 2018 Caf Confederation Cup.

Nairobi United will bank on Duncan Omala and Michael Karamor in attack, but two will rely on Shami Mwinyi to feed them with balls. Mwinyi, who showed good form against Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, is expected to start, as is goalkeeper Kevin Oduor.

Tickets for the game are retailing at Sh3,000 for the VVIP section of MISC, Kasarani stadium while those at the VIP and regular stands will pay Sh500 and Sh200 respectively.