Nairobi United secures historic CAF victory
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute
8d agoTONY MBALLAFootball
Nairobi United players pose for a photo before their match against Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel on October 26, 2025./HANDOUT
President William Ruto has congratulated Nairobi United Football Club for their historic qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, describing the feat as a triumph of courage, unity, and national pride.
In a statement issued on Monday, President Ruto praised the Mozzart Bet Cup champions for defying the odds to become the first Kenyan side to reach the group stages of the continental tournament on their debut appearance.
“The people of Kenya stand immensely proud of Nairobi United Football Club for their historic qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage,” said the President.
“This remarkable achievement, forged in courage, discipline, and unyielding fortitude, has ignited the spirit of our nation and reaffirmed Kenya’s rightful place on Africa’s football map.”
Nairobi United will pocket Sh51 million after qualifying for the group stage of the tournament.
Nairobi United stunned Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel 7-6 in a dramatic post-match penalty shootout on Sunday night in Sousse.
The Kenyan debutants had carried a 2-0 first-leg advantage from Nairobi, but the hosts levelled the tie 2-2 on aggregate after winning by the same margin in regulation time, forcing the contest to be decided from the spot.
Nairobi United in action against Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel on October 26, 2025./HANDOUT
President Ruto hailed the team’s spirit, saying their success showcased the power of resilience and teamwork.
“By triumphing over Tunisia’s Étoile du Sahel, one of the continent’s most formidable clubs, Nairobi United have proven that belief, unity, and teamwork can indeed conquer giants,” Ruto said.
The President extended his congratulations to the players, technical bench, management, and supporters for what he termed a defining moment in Kenyan football.
“We celebrate every player, coach, manager, and fan whose passion and commitment have carried the team to this defining moment in our sporting history,” he added.
Ruto further urged the club to carry the national flag with pride as Kenya’s sole representatives on the continental stage.
“As Kenya’s sole continental representatives, Nairobi United now bear the nation’s flag with honour, pride, and promise,” he said. “We wish them renewed strength, focus, and confidence as they step onto the group-stage stage.”
The Head of State concluded his message with an emphatic note of national pride: “Hongera Nairobi United. You have made history; and you have made us proud.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to conduct the group-stage draw later this week, with Nairobi United joining 15 other teams from across the continent in the next phase of the competition
