Newly promoted FKF Premier League side Nairobi United have
made history, qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage in their
maiden continental campaign after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Tunisian
powerhouse Étoile Sportive du Sahel on Sunday night.
The team, popularly known as the Naibois, edged out the
African heavyweights 7–6 on penalties following a tense 2–2 aggregate draw,
marking a landmark moment for Kenyan football.
They became the first Kenyan club to reach the CAF group
stage on debut, and the first since Gor Mahia in 2018 to advance this far in
the competition.
The night’s hero, goalkeeper Kevin Oduor, endured a
rollercoaster evening in Sousse.
Having travelled with a 2–0 first-leg advantage from
Nairobi, United appeared on course for history until Oduor’s misjudged aerial
challenge allowed Étoile to grab a stoppage-time equaliser, forcing the game to
penalties.
From potential villain to instant hero, Oduor redeemed
himself in spectacular fashion—saving two spot-kicks, including the opener from
Étoile captain Nahim Nhid, before stepping up to take the decisive penalty.
His calm finish past Ben Hassen silenced the partisan
Tunisian crowd and sent the visitors into euphoria.
Earlier in the match, Étoile had levelled the tie on
aggregate through Rayan Anen’s 53rd-minute strike, which put pressure on United
to defend deep.
Coach Nicholas Muyoti’s men held firm, led by captain John
Otieno, who marshalled the backline with composure, while forwards Ovella
Ochieng and Dancan Omala threatened on the counterattack.
In the nerve-shredding shootout, United’s takers — Otieno,
Mzee, Otiende, Ogutu, Opondo, and Magare — converted their penalties
confidently before Oduor’s match-winning strike sealed the club’s greatest
night.
The result capped a remarkable four-month rise for the club
owned by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. Nairobi United, promoted from the
National Super League earlier this year, had already lifted the Mozzart Bet Cup
after beating Gor Mahia in the final.
Their latest success earns them a minimum of Sh58 million in
prize money from CAF.
The Naibois now join an elite group of just four Kenyan
clubs to have ever eliminated a North African opponent, following in the
footsteps of Luo Union, Utalii, and Bandari.
Nairobi United will now turn their focus to the CAF
Confederation Cup group stage draw, scheduled for November 3, 2025, in
Johannesburg, where 16 clubs will be drawn into four groups of four.
Their stunning journey — from newly promoted underdogs to
continental contenders — has already rewritten the script for Kenyan football.
