Nairobi United Brace for Hostile Reception Ahead of CAF Confederation Cup Opener Against Wydad AC

Nairobi United technical director Salim Ali has disclosed that his side is prepared for a hostile reception as he sent a plea to Wydad AC ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup group stage clash.

Nairobi United departed the country for Morocco, as they look forward to facing Wydad AC on Sunday, November 23, in their opening match of the group stage encounter at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Salim Ali explained that after Nairobi United encountered a hostile reception in Tunisia during their second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round against Etoile Du Sahel, they are now mentally prepared for what is to come against Wydad AC, who, he mentioned, have a huge fanbase.

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However, Salim Ali remains hopeful that, owing to the standard of the club, Nairobi United will not be subjected to humiliating acts from the fans.

“I think the consistency is good after facing Etoile away; the hostility was there, but that was an awful one. For Wydad, they have a very big fan base, and we hope they'll treat us well,” Salim Ali revealed.

“We don't know because we have a return match here in Kenya, and I believe that for them, they will work on a professional level because they've been among the best teams on the continent, and this is their second year in the continental stage. I believe they'll be more professional and host us nicely.”

Aside from their expectations off the pitch, Salim Ali believes the match is a great opportunity for Nairobi United to test themselves against the best.

He admitted that Wydad AC is one of the greatest clubs on the continent and is widely recognised, so going up against them is a toll order.

However, Salim Ali acknowledged that there is a lot to learn from the three-time CAF Champions League champions, noting that the players are excited ahead of the encounter.

“I think, a hostile place, a good game, good intensity and a very experienced side. They are giants in Morocco, and for us, it's only 90 minutes. We'll try and work as a unit, the way we've been doing things, and try to work as per the tactics and game approach for the weekend,” he added.

“I think it's well known that Wydad is among the biggest teams on the continent, not even in their country, but on the continent, and it gives our players motivation to work well against the best players.

“They have players from Portugal, Spain, and they have players who have played top level. It's a good opportunity for our players to try and showcase their talent, I think that is the best thing.”

Salim Ali believes that Nairobi United have all it takes to silence Wydad AC if they follow the strategy Nicholas Muyoti has set aside.

He insisted that, being their first group stage match, they would have to walk away with a good result to give them the momentum to push to the next matches.

“I believe if we get it right, we do it as per what we've been telling them, we might get a good result playing away. It's a group stage, it's our first match, it's exciting for us and back-to-back again, it's not an easy thing after playing Wydad, we have to work hard again playing at home with Maniema,” he revealed.

After their encounter against Wydad AC, Nairobi United will host Congo’s Maniema Union on November 30 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.