CAF Confederation Cup: Nairobi United Edges Etoile Sportive du Sahel in Penalty Shootout

Nairobi United's historic CAF Confederation Cup Qualification

Nairobi United creates history by reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stage after a thrilling penalty shootout win against Etoile Sportive du Sahel.

The match had been intense from the start, with Etoile dominating possession and creating scoring opportunities...

Nairobi United made history by becoming the first Kenyan Premier League team to reach the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. They achieved this milestone after beating Etoile Sportive du Sahel 7-6 in a penalty shootout, following a 2-2 aggregate draw.

The win came after a tense encounter in Sousse, where Etoile Sportive du Sahel fought hard to overturn the deficit from the first leg. Rayan Anen pulled one back for the Tunisian side early in the second half, but Ben Maazouz's stoppage-time header levelled the aggregate score, sending the match to penalties. Nairobi United's victory in the shootout sealed their historic qualification.

The Kenyan outfit had set the stage for their remarkable achievement with a 2-0 win in the first leg in Nairobi. Despite facing a tough challenge from Etoile Sportive du Sahel, Nairobi United demonstrated resilience and determination to progress to the next stage of the competition.

Kevin Oduor emerged as the hero for the Nairobi-based side after saving Etoile's seventh penalty attempt and then converting the decisive kick himself. This crucial moment earned his team a spot in the group stage of the CAF competitions for the first time in their history.

The match had been intense from the start, with Etoile dominating possession and creating scoring opportunities. Striker Moussa Senghor had an early chance, firing a long-range shot that Oduor skillfully saved. Senghor had another opportunity soon after, heading wide from close range after Alphonse Omija delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank.

Ovella Ochieng created United's first chance of the match with a left-footed shot that lacked the power to trouble Etoile goalkeeper Sabri Ben Hassen.

Etoile continued to press for a goal and came close in the 24th minute when Ben Hassen's long goal-kick found Senghor, but Kevin Otiende made a crucial intervention, clearing the ball superbly before Senghor could get a shot off.

Etoile was awarded a free-kick in a promising position in the 30th minute, but Salaheddine Ghedamsi's delivery was blocked by the United defensive wall. This missed opportunity was a huge relief for United, who were defending resolutely against Etoile's attacks.

The visitors continued to press in the second half and finally managed to break the deadlock in the 50th minute. Rayan Anen scored the goal that reduced the deficit for Etoile, keeping their hopes of overturning the tie alive.

Rayan Anen scored the crucial goal for Etoile when he was picked out by a ball from the right wing. He received the pass unmarked outside the area and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot past Kevin Oduor.

In a dramatic turn of events, Etoile equalized in the final moments of stoppage time through a header from substitute Ben Maazouz. The late goal sent the tie to penalties, where Nairobi United ultimately emerged victorious.

Nairobi United's journey to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage was fueled by their surprise FKF Cup victory at the end of the previous season. As a newly promoted team to the FKF Premier League, they faced stiff competition in the cup, but they defied expectations.

In the final, Nairobi United faced off against Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, and despite being underdogs, they emerged victorious, winning 2-1. This triumph marked a historic moment for the team, as they became only the second promoted side in Kenyan football history to win the FKF Cup, following in the footsteps of Mathare United. This win earned them a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, setting the stage for their current success.

First time. First try. First group stage. Simply Historic! 🌍

Congratulations to @nairobiunitedfc on qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage after edging out ESS 7–6 on penalties (2–2 aggregate).

A remarkable achievement in their debut continental campaign 👏🇰🇪 pic.twitter.com/Ubhv9qzEjq

— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) October 26, 2025

Nairobi United's journey to the group stage began in the first preliminary round against Ugandan Premier League side NEC FC. After a 2-2 draw in the away leg, where they scored in the dying moments, the return leg in Nairobi ended 1-1, with Nairobi United advancing to the next round on the away goals rule.

The Kenyan side will be the only representatives in the group stages after FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC were eliminated from the Champions League with a 4-1 aggregate defeat to Al Hilal SC. Nairobi United's historic achievement marks a significant milestone for Kenyan football.