Nairobi United produced a significant result in Kenyan club football on Sunday, defeating Tunisian side Étoile Sportive du Sahel 2-0 in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute. Ovella Ochieng, alert and agile, seized a moment of space at the edge of the box and fired a precise shot that left the Étoile goalkeeper grasping at air.
Just after halftime, Dancun Omala doubled the lead, calmly slotting home after a swift counter-attack. It was clinical, it was composed, and it was a statement.
For head coach Nicholas Muyoti, the victory was more than just a scoreline. "I am extremely proud of the players. They showed composure and patience. We knew Étoile du Sahel would push high, but we executed our game plan precisely," Muyoti said.
"This is more than a win. It is a statement that Kenyan clubs can compete on the continental stage. Every player understood the significance, and they rose to the occasion."
Nairobi United’s approach was methodical. The midfield maintained control, dictating tempo and cutting off passing lanes, while the defense neutralized Étoile’s threats with disciplined positioning.
It was a team performance that reflected careful planning and confidence in execution. Across the pitch, Mohamed Ali Nafkha, the new head coach of Étoile du Sahel, watched his team struggle to find rhythm.
Following the departure of Lassad Dridi, Nafkha inherited a side accustomed to dominating regional fixtures, but here, in Nairobi, they were outmaneuvered and outpaced.
"Nairobi United deserved this win. They were sharper and more coordinated," Nafkha admitted. "We must accept this result but remain confident. The return leg in Sousse is an opportunity to correct our mistakes."
He acknowledged the errors that had proved costly. "We made small mistakes, which at this level are fatal. Defenders must anticipate better, and midfield support needs improvement. These are areas we will address before the next leg."
The empty stadium created a strange contrast: silence in the stands, yet intense focus and energy on the field. Muyoti reflected on the unusual conditions: "Playing without fans is never ideal, but the team adapted. Their focus and energy ensured we controlled the game."
This victory sets the stage for a tense second leg in Tunisia on October 26 at Stade Olympique de Sousse. With a two-goal cushion, Nairobi United enters the fixture with confidence but cautious respect.
"Two goals provide a cushion, but North African teams are formidable away. Our plan is to stay disciplined, capitalize on opportunities, and manage the game intelligently," Muyoti said.
For Nafkha, the tie is far from over: "The 2-0 deficit is not insurmountable. We will analyse every aspect and come back stronger. Our players have the quality to reverse this result."
Historically, North African sides have dominated CAF competitions, but Nairobi United’s display suggests that East African clubs can challenge that hierarchy.
Tactical discipline, preparation, and execution combined to produce a landmark result for Kenyan football.
