Nairobi United Crash Out of CAF Confederation Cup with 3-0 Loss to Maniema

Nairobi United end winless in CAF confederation cup debut campaign

Nairobi United conclude CAF Confederation Cup campaign with 3-0 loss to Maniema Union, ending winless in six matches.

Maniema Union almost doubled their lead in the 18th minute, but it was a missed opportunity...

Nairobi United's CAF Confederation Cup campaign ended with a 3-0 loss to AS Maniema Union of DR Congo at Stade Joseph Kabila Kabange Stadium. The Kenyan Premier League outfit had already been eliminated, so they aimed to at least secure a win, but it wasn't their day.

Maniema Union took the lead through B. Namboka's goals in the 5th and 29th minutes, and J. Mboma sealed the win in the 44th minute. This defeat leaves Nairobi United at the bottom of Group B with zero points.

Maniema stormed ahead early, capitalizing on a defensive slip-up to score within the first five minutes. Obed Mbala's sweeping cross from the right wing found its way to Beni Namboka, who pounced on the loose ball to score his second of the season, leaving Kevin Oduor helpless.

United fought back with their first real chance, Shami Kibwana slicing through the midfield before his long-range shot flew just wide.

Maniema Union almost doubled their lead in the 18th minute, but it was a missed opportunity. Jeancy Mpindi initiated a counter-attack, robbing Lesley Owino of the ball, but Clement Pitroipa's effort went straight into Oduor's hands.

Maniema capitalized on a United mistake to go 2-0 up in the 29th minute. Pitroipa made amends for his earlier miss, setting up Namboka for his second goal of the day.

The early goal threw United off balance, despite their growing confidence heading into the away game. Maniema pounced, adding a third in the 44th minute through Jeancy Mboma, who capitalized on Abedi Bokomboli's cross.

United coach Salim Ali made a substitution at halftime, replacing keeper Oduor with Bernard Jairo, but Maniema remained clinical, with Pitroipa squandering another chance set up by Bokomboli.

United made a triple substitution in the 46th minute, bringing in Enock Machaga, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, and Kefa Nakhumicha for John Onyango, Kibwana, and Gideon Otieno. Oduor's benching was part of the changes, with Bernard Jairo taking over between the posts.

Namboka almost completed his hat-trick five minutes later, but his effort hit the woodwork after Mboma squared a cross from the right side. Maniema then made their first substitution, replacing Pitroipa with Chadoma Mukeni in the 55th minute.

Zamalek, Al Masry advance

United's day went from bad to worse in the 57th minute, Machaga getting a straight red card for a clumsy foul on Mboma, just 11 minutes after replacing Onyango.

The FKF Premier League promoted side ended their campaign winless, losing all six matches in their debut CAF Confederation Cup appearance. 

USM Alger and Olympic Club Safi made it to the Round of 16, with USM Alger topping Group A with 14 points and Safi coming second with 13 points. The Algerian outfit secured a 0-0 draw against Safi to seal their spot.

Zamalek and Al Masry also advanced to the next round, winning their final Group D matches and knocking out Kaizer Chiefs and Zesco United.

Zamalek and Al Masry were both in contention for a spot in the next round, and they delivered when it counted. Amakhosi fell 2-1 to Zamalek, securing their qualification, while Al Masry beat Zesco United 2-0 to snatch second place.

The Egyptian giants topped the group with 11 points, Al Masry second on 10, Chiefs third on 10, and Zesco United bottom with three. Al Masry's win put them level with Chiefs on points, but a better goal difference sealed their spot in the last eight.

Esperance secured their spot in the next round of the Champions League with a convincing 2-0 win over Petro Atletico. Meanwhile, Stade Malien confirmed top spot in Group D despite a 1-0 loss to Simba SC.