Etoile du Sahel vs Nairobi United: Preview, Odds, Team News, Lineups, Prediction as North Meet East for CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Spot

FKF Cup champions Nairobi United will carry a historic 2-0 lead to the Sousse Olympic Stadium this Sunday, aiming to complete one of the biggest upsets in recent CAF Confederation Cup history. 

The Kenyan debutants face Tunisian giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the second leg of their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup second-round tie. A spot in the lucrative group stages is on the line, a feat no Kenyan club has ever achieved at the first time of asking.

The atmosphere in Sousse will be hostile as the two-time Confederation Cup winners find themselves in the desperate position of needing to overturn a two-goal deficit. 

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

This clash pits a continental giant against a fearless underdog. Etoile du Sahel, despite their pedigree, are in a poor run of form. Their 2-0 loss in Nairobi was preceded by domestic struggles, and they followed it up with another shocking 2-1 league loss to Olympique Beja. The pressure is immense on the hosts, who must win by at least three goals to advance. A 2-0 win for the Tunisians will send the tie to a dreaded penalty shootout.

Nairobi United, meanwhile, are playing with house money. Having won the FKF Cup while still in the second tier last season, their continental debut has been a fairytale. They are brimming with confidence after goals from Ovella Ochieng and John Otieno secured their first-leg advantage. 

Etoile du Sahel: LLWDL

Nairobi United: WWDWL

Nairobi United is holding a 2-0 aggregate lead, meaning Etoile du Sahel must score at least twice to even force penalties. 

The Kenyan side is aiming to become only the second team from their country, after Gor Mahia in 1987, to avoid defeat away to a North African opponent. Furthermore, Nairobi United is only the fourth Kenyan club in history to have won a match against a team from North Africa.

Correct Score: Etoile du Sahel 1-1 Nairobi United

We predict a tense 1-1 draw in Sousse, which would be enough to send Nairobi United through. Etoile du Sahel will undoubtedly dominate possession and launch relentless attacks from the first whistle, and their quality should see them find the net at least once. However, their desperation will leave them vulnerable at the back. Nairobi United has proven they are clinical on the counter-attack and, as their captain Brian Omondi stated, they will be "aiming to score again." One away goal for the visitors will seal this historic upset.

This is only the second-ever competitive meeting between these two clubs, with the first being Nairobi United's 2-0 victory in Nairobi on October 19, 2025. Etoile du Sahel's last encounter with Kenyan opposition was in 1998, when they eliminated Utalii FC from the CAF Champions League on penalties. Nairobi United is in a position to achieve what only Bandari (in 2019-20) has done in recent memory: eliminate a North African giant over two legs.

The pre-game odds heavily favour the home side to win the match on the day, but the odds to qualify tell a more balanced story. Etoile du Sahel are the favourites to win the second leg, with odds hovering around 1.18. A draw is priced as a long shot at approximately 5.50, while a historic away win for Nairobi United is offered at massive odds of around 15.00.

The Tunisian giants are facing a crisis of confidence but are expected to field their strongest possible lineup. Coach Mohamed Ali Nafka has demanded a "200 per cent" performance and will be counting on his experienced players to handle the pressure.

Kenyan defender Alphonce Omija, who started the first leg, admitted his team was "fortunate" to only lose 2-0 and has promised a massive reaction in Sousse. Expect an all-out-attack formation from the opening whistle.

Nairobi United travels to Tunisia with a clean bill of health and immense self-belief. Coach Salim Ali has confirmed the team is not weighed down by the expectation of history but is focused on executing their game plan. They will need to "find a balance between attacking and defending," with a clear priority on being "cautious." First-leg goalscorers Ovella Ochieng and John Otieno will be crucial to their counter-attacking threat.

Etoile du Sahel: Youssef (GK); Omija, Ghedamsi, Naouali, Dagdoug; Ben Amor, Baayou, Chouchane; Senghor, Aouani, Cristo

Nairobi United: Oduor (GK); Otieno, Ogutu, Nasri, Otiende; Omondi, Owino, Machaka, Ochieng; Karamor, Omala

For the result, while Etoile du Sahel is expected to win the match, the value bet is on Nairobi United to Qualify. The 2-0 cushion is a significant advantage.

Regarding goals, this match is likely to stay Under 2.5 goals. Nairobi United will set up to defend their lead, frustrating the hosts and limiting clear-cut chances in a high-pressure environment.

For the Both Teams to Score market, a Yes is the recommended tip. Etoile du Sahel must score and will likely do so at home, while Nairobi United’s pace on the break makes them a strong candidate to grab a vital away goal.