Nairobi United Shock Etoile du Sahel to Move Within Reach of CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage

In what will go down as a landmark victory for Kenyan club football, Nairobi United claimed a 2-0 win over Tunisian heavyweights Etoile Sportive du Sahel at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday, putting themselves firmly on course for the group phase of the CAF Confederation Cup.

From the opening whistle, Nairobi United pressed with purpose and maintained composure against a side accustomed to continental battles. 

The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute when Ovella Ochieng found the net, capitalising on a moment of hesitation in the Sahel defence. The hosts’ confidence surged, and they entered halftime holding a precious advantage.

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Just seven minutes into the second half, John Otieno doubled the lead with a well-taken finish (52′), giving Nairobi United a cushion and forcing the visitors onto the back foot.

Nairobi United began brightly, forcing goalkeeper Khaled Youssef into a double save within ten minutes. First, Omala unleashed a powerful effort from distance, which Youssef palmed back into play. The rebound fell to Karamor, whose thumping drive was again superbly saved by the alert Tunisian stopper.

Five minutes later, Sahel threatened through Moussa Senghor, who fired narrowly wide from a Mohamed Yasine delivery when well placed to score.

United’s dominance, however, finally paid off in the 37th minute through Omala’s composed finish, sending the small group of technical staff and players on the bench into wild celebrations.

Just seven minutes after the restart, John Otieno doubled the advantage with a fine strike in the 52nd minute, punishing a poor clearance from the Tunisian defence. Ovella Ochieng nearly added a third in the 62nd minute, rattling the woodwork from close range after a slick move down the right.

Despite the absence of fans, the SportPesa Premier League side dictated play for large spells, displaying maturity and structure that belied their limited continental experience.

Nairobi United qualified for the Confederation Cup after winning the FKF Cup last season and reached this stage by edging Uganda’s NEC FC on away goals following a 3–3 aggregate draw in the preliminary round.

The team will have one week to prepare before travelling to Tunisia for the decisive second leg against Mohamed Ali Nefkhia’s side at the Stade Olympique de Sousse on Sunday, 26 October.

Étoile du Sahel, home to former Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija, now face a daunting task — they must score at least three goals without reply to overturn the deficit and keep their qualification hopes alive.

For Nairobi United, the dream of reaching the group stage for the first time is now within touching distance.