Confederation Cup: Nairobi United Goalkeeper Reveals Mindset Behind Saving Twice and Scoring Winning Penalty

Nairobi United goalkeeper Kevin Oduor has explained how he managed to score the winning penalty that secured Naibois a historic place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.

Kevin Oduor made two crucial saves during the penalty shootout. These saves were vital to keep Nairobi United in the running despite one of their early kicks being missed.

His most pivotal save was on Étoile du Sahel's seventh penalty, the second kick in sudden death, after the score was tied 6-6. This save denied the Tunisian side a chance to win and gave Nairobi United the opportunity to clinch victory with their next kick.

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After his crucial save, Kevin Oduor stepped up to take Nairobi United's seventh penalty. He confidently converted the decisive kick to seal the 7-6 victory and a historic qualification for the group stage.

The Nairobi United goalkeeper expressed immense gratitude and relief after converting the decisive spot-kick that sealed the club’s progression.

Kevin Oduor said he felt deeply supported by his faith, especially while performing under immense pressure on such a grand stage.

He further explained that stepping up to take the final penalty was a responsibility every player dreams of, and when the moment fell to him, he was fully aware of how much it meant for the team’s future in the competition.

Kevin Oduor shared that the thought of advancing to the next round was clear in his mind, and he could not bear the thought of disappointing his teammates.

Oduor added that he thrives in intense atmospheres like the one they faced and had mentally prepared himself for all the distractions, asking for divine strength to rise to the occasion and succeed in that critical situation.

“I want to thank God for a good game…it was such a big stage and scoring the last penalty is a good feeling. Of course, everyone wants to do that, and when it came to me, I had to do it for my team to proceed to the next stage,” he revealed after the match.

“I was seeing the group stage in front of me, and I did not want to let my team down. I was just focused on scoring, and I managed to stay calm and knew that this was the moment for me to do what I was supposed to do for my team.

“This is my best environment for me, and at this stage, I was expecting the noise and all that, and I asked God to help me thrive in this atmosphere.”

He acknowledged that their upcoming fixtures will present significant challenges, stressing that thorough preparation will be essential if they are to compete at the highest level.

Kevin Oduor emphasised the importance of bravery and belief within the squad, convinced that they have what it takes to excel once the group-stage matches begin.

He went on to express ambition far beyond just participation, noting that with a winning mindset, the team could push all the way to the summit of the competition and deliver a moment of immense pride for both the country and their loyal supporters.

“All the games are going to be tough, and we have to prepare well. We need a lot of courage and confidence, and I believe we are going to do well in the group stages. With the right mentality, we can lift the trophy and give Kenya and our fans pride,” he added.

Nairobi United have been placed in Pot 4 for the group stage draw scheduled for November 3 in Johannesburg.