'We Can Change That' - Nairobi United Eye History Against Étoile du Sahel in CAF Confederation Cup Clash

Nairobi United are determined to make history as they face Alphonce Omija’s Étoile du Sahel, aiming to end Kenya’s long wait for a CAF Confederation Cup group stage spot.

Nairobi United are set to make their mark on the continental stage as they host Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel on Sunday, October 19, in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second round.

The Kenyan side is aiming for a historic qualification to the group stage in their debut campaign. The crucial encounter will take place at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, having been relocated from its original venue, the Nyayo National Stadium, due to national events.

Following a directive from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the match will be played behind closed doors, a measure also enforced during Friday's CAF Champions League fixture between Kenya Police FC and Al Hilal.

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A Kenyan club has not reached the CAF Confederation Cup group stage since 2018, when Gor Mahia advanced past SuperSport United of South Africa.

Nairobi United will be looking to end that drought and will undoubtedly miss the vibrant home support that spurred them on in the preliminary round.

Nairobi United Looking to Silence Alphonse Omija’s Étoile Sportive du Sahel

Nairobi United's head coach, Nicholas Muyoti, will once again be confined to the stands as he does not possess a CAF A Licence. Despite this, he remains focused on the team's objective.

"Going into the second round, we are taking it one match at a time, but our ultimate target is to reach the group stage. Whoever we face, we have to plan well and be ready," Nicholas Muyoti explained.

Nicholas Muyoti emphasised the need for a strong home performance ahead of the return leg in Tunis next week.

"Kenyan teams have not had the best record against North African opponents, but we believe we can change that. Our focus is on getting a convincing result at home and building on it away."

Nairobi United Campaign So Far

To reach this stage, Nairobi United edged out Uganda’s NEC FC on the away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate draw.

A hard-fought 2-2 result in Kampala proved decisive, followed by a 1-1 draw in Nairobi. Their opponents, Étoile du Sahel, also navigated a challenging tie, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Sudan's Al-Ahli Wad Medani with a commanding 3-0 victory in Tunis.

Despite their continental pedigree, which includes two titles in this competition (formerly the African Cup Winners' Cup in 1997 and 2003), Étoile has struggled domestically.

The Tunisian side currently sits 12th in their league with a mixed record of two wins, three draws, and four losses.

In contrast, Nairobi United has enjoyed a solid start to their domestic season, securing wins against Mara Sugar and Kakamega Homeboyz, with only one loss to Bidco United.

A familiar face in the visiting camp is former Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija. Although he has travelled and trained with the squad, he is not registered for the competition and will not play.