Nairobi United Technical Director on 3 Factors They Need to Dominate CAF Confederation Cup Group Stages

Nairobi United stunned Tunisian giants ES Sahel to reach the group stages of the 2025/2026 CAF Confederation Cup.

Kenya’s rising football force Nairobi United are daring to dream big after making history as the first Kenyan side to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stages in their debut Premier League season.

The newly promoted FKF Premier League club—fondly called The Naibois—shocked Tunisian giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel in a dramatic two-legged tie. 

After a 2-0 first leg home win at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex, United conceded two late goals in the return leg to draw 2-2 on aggregate, before sealing qualification 7-6 on penalties thanks to goalkeeper Kevin Oduor’s heroics—saving twice before slotting home the winning kick himself.

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Now, with continental football calling, the club’s Technical Director and assistant coach Salim Ali has outlined five key factors Nairobi United must perfect to dominate the group stages.

Game Planning Very Key

Ali, who had to step in for head coach Nicholas Muyoti for media duties due to failing to have a CAF A License, insists that unlike knockout rounds, the group stage allows time to plan comprehensively.

“You have six matches—three home and three away—so preparation is everything. Each game demands a tailored approach. If we prepare well for every opponent, we can compete at the highest level,” he said.

Improvements in the Market

Recognising the need for experience and cover, Ali revealed plans to strengthen the squad.

“We’ve already identified areas that need improvement. The management understands this is a marathon, not a sprint. With a few key signings, we can maintain intensity across all fixtures.”

Ali believes the kind of maturity under pressure they displayed in Tunisia, where they were subject to very hostile reception, which was displayed even during the penalty shootouts when an unidentified supporter shone a laser torch at United players, will only help them become more dominant.

“Most of our players were experiencing continental football for the first time, but they handled the pressure superbly. We’ve trained them to stay calm under pressure—and it showed against Étoile,” Ali explained.

Capitalise Home Advantage, Show Resilience Away

Ali emphasized that United’s strong away form could be decisive.

“We’ve always been a good side on the road. If we keep getting results away and win our home games, we’ll be in a great position to qualify for the knockout phase,” he said.

The Sky’s The Limit - Ali

The technical director believes self-belief will be United’s most powerful weapon.

“The dream is to go as far as possible—why not the final? The players believe it, the staff believe it, and that belief can carry us past expectations. For us, the sky is the limit.”

United’s fairytale run began with a dramatic preliminary-round win over Uganda’s NEC FC, where they advanced on away goals after two tense draws.

 With Kenya Police bowing out of the CAF Champions League, Nairobi United remain the country’s sole continental representatives.