CAF Confederation Cup: Nairobi United Held to 1-0 Defeat by Maniema

Nairobi United's winless run continues in the CAF Confederation Cup after 1-0 loss to AS Maniema

Nairobi United suffer 1-0 defeat to AS Maniema in CAF Confederation Cup matchday two. James Mboma's 66th-minute goal hands Maniema victory over Nairobi United at Kasarani Stadium.

United earned their spot in continental football by winning the 2025 FKF Cup, capping an incredible domestic campaign...

Nairobi United's CAF Confederation Cup campaign remains winless after a 1-0 loss to AS Maniema of DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium. The Kenyan Premier League side had hoped to bounce back from their opening 3-0 defeat against Wydad AC of Morocco, but Maniema's strong performance secured them all three points.

The match saw Nairobi United create several chances, but poor finishing and goalkeeper Detan Ogundare's superb saves denied them a goal. Maniema, on the other hand, capitalized on their opportunities, with substitute Kinda scoring the decisive goal in the 67th minute. This defeat leaves Nairobi United bottom of Group B with zero points, while Maniema climbs to second place with six points, tied with Wydad AC.

The Congolese outfit got off to a strong start, beating Tanzanian side Azam FC 2-0. Maniema dominated from the beginning, earning their first corner in just three minutes. Burkina Faso midfielder Clément Pitroipa delivered the set-piece, but United goalkeeper Kevin Oduor cleared it to safety.

Five minutes later, United had their first attack, but Maniema quickly took control. The Congolese side created several chances, showcasing their attacking prowess. Their pressure paid off, securing a comfortable win.

Duncan Omalla was denied a scoring opportunity as the linesman flagged him for offside after Enock Machaka's precise pass found him in a good position. Maniema had a golden chance to score in the 21st minute, but Christian Balako Panzi's looping ball sailed over the bar.

Fulltime😞
Let's regroup and come back stronger👊👊#Godsikuzote #SakajaFoundation#TotalEnergiesCAFCC #lazimaichezwe#lazimaiwork #WeAreNairobiUnited #NaiBois #NaiGeng pic.twitter.com/72cezo96eB

— Nairobi United (@nairobiunitedfc) November 30, 2025

United pushed for a goal, and Omalla came close to breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute. The young striker sprinted up the field, beating two Maniema defenders before unleashing a shot that just missed the target, leaving goalkeeper Detan Ogundare untouched.

United earned their spot in continental football by winning the 2025 FKF Cup, capping an incredible domestic campaign that included promotion to the FKF Premier League. The team hit the ground running in the second half, dominating possession and creating scoring opportunities.

In the 54th minute, Machaka's precise cross from the right almost found its way to the back of the net, with forward Michael Karamor coming close to connecting. The pressure was on, and United continued to push for a goal.

Maniema broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, substitute James Mboma's stunning effort from outside the area finding the top right corner of the net and silencing the United fans. The goal sparked a frenzy, with the Congolese side pushing for more.

Wydad AC Secure Second Win

Wydad AC made it two wins from two in the CAF Confederation Cup, beating Azam FC 1-0 in Zanzibar. The Moroccan giants were kept to a 0-0 draw in the first half, but Nordin Amrabat's 56th-minute goal secured the win. Amrabat guided the ball home, settling the tight contest and keeping Wydad top of Group B.

Azam FC pushed hard for an equalizer, determined to bounce back from their matchday one defeat. They worked the flanks and created efforts from distance, but Wydad AC's defense held strong, protecting their goal and limiting the Tanzanians to few clear chances.

Wydad's 1-0 win kept them top of Group B with six points, solidifying their position as early favorites. The Moroccan giants are flying high, and their next match will be a crucial test.

Group C Shocker

AS Otoho d’Oyo of Congo stunned CR Belouizdad 4-1 at home, with a first-half blitz setting the tone. Jacques Bowamba, Bandiougou Diallo, and Gosim Duvan scored the opening goals, and Dion Ravelli added a fourth in the 65th minute.

USM Alger Edge Past Safi

USM Alger secured a 1-0 win over Olympic Club de Safi, thanks to Zakaria Draoui's 52nd-minute goal. The midfielder capitalized on a defensive mistake, scoring the winner and boosting Algerian side's position at the top of Group A.

Al Masry made it two wins from two with a thrilling 3-2 away win over ZESCO United. The Egyptians got off to a flying start, Mohamed Hashem scoring inside four minutes after finishing a superb cross.