Nairobi United vs ES Sahel: Historic 2–0 Victory Puts Kenya’s Rising Giants on the Brink of CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage

Nairobi United FC, the current pride of the Kenyan Premier League, made history with a 2–0 victory over Tunisian giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel (ES Sahel) in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi.

This CAF Confederation Cup 2025 fixture was a defining moment for Kenyan football. The win not only gave Nairobi United a crucial two-goal cushion but also showcased the maturity and tactical evolution of the debutants on the continental stage.

With this performance, the Naibois have moved a step closer to ending Kenya’s long wait for a club in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

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Key Takeaways from Nairobi United’s Historic Win

• Final Score: Nairobi United 2–0 Etoile du Sahel
• Goal Scorers: Ovella Ochieng (37’) and Duncan Omalla (56’/57’)
• The Stakes: A crucial home victory gives Nairobi United an excellent chance to progress to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup 2025.
• The Opponent: ES Sahel is one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, known for their strength and experience in continental competitions.
• Next Fixture: The decisive return leg will take place on Sunday, October 26, at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunisia.

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Nairobi United’s Road to Continental Glory

Nairobi United’s journey to the CAF Confederation Cup 2025 began with their domestic FKF Cup triumph, where they defeated Kenyan record champions Gor Mahia (K’Ogalo) 2–1 in a thrilling final.

This achievement made them only the second promoted side in Kenyan football history — after Mathare United — to qualify for continental football.

Under the leadership of Coach Nicholas Muyoti, a former Kenyan international, the club has combined youth, discipline, and structure to produce results that have inspired fans nationwide.

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Overcoming the Preliminary Rounds

In the first preliminary round, the Naibois faced Uganda’s NEC FC, showing resilience and composure:

• Away leg: 2–2 draw in Kampala
• Home leg: 1–1 draw in Nairobi

They advanced on the away goals rule, winning the tie 3–3 on aggregate.

The second preliminary round brought an even tougher opponent — ES Sahel, featuring former Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija, who joined the Tunisian giants after his impressive performances in the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

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Match Analysis: How Nairobi United Outclassed ES Sahel

From the kickoff, Nairobi United vs ES Sahel was played at a high tempo. Despite the absence of fans due to crowd control measures, the Naibois dominated with confidence and tactical precision.

Early Pressure and the Ochieng Breakthrough

Within the first ten minutes, Nairobi United tested goalkeeper Khaled Youssef, who pulled off a brilliant double save to deny Duncan Omalla and Michael Karamor in quick succession.

Sahel’s Moussa Senghor came close moments later, but his shot sailed wide.

In the 37th minute, Nairobi United broke the deadlock.
Ovella Ochieng latched onto a sharp pass from Enoch Machaka, following a cross from Lesley Owino, and fired past Youssef to give the hosts a 1–0 halftime lead.

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Omalla’s Killer Blow

After the break, Duncan Omalla doubled the lead in the 56th minute, capitalizing on a poor clearance from Sahel’s defense. His clinical finish sent the home bench into celebration.

Nairobi United nearly added a third goal in the 62nd minute, when Ochieng’s shot hit the crossbar after a quick counterattack.

Defensively, the team held firm, with Brian Okeyo marshalling the backline to ensure Sahel couldn’t find a way through.

The 2–0 victory reflected tactical discipline, mental strength, and attacking creativity, marking one of Kenya’s finest club results in recent memory.

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What’s Next for Nairobi United FC

As the return leg in Tunisia approaches, Nairobi United carries a vital advantage.

To progress to the CAF Confederation Cup 2025 group stage, they must avoid defeat by two or more goals. Meanwhile, ES Sahel faces a mountain to climb — they need to score at least three unanswered goals to overturn the deficit.

Coach Nicholas Muyoti has urged his players to remain focused and disciplined, emphasizing that the “job is only halfway done.”

For Kenyan fans, the excitement is palpable — this could be the moment Kenya finally returns to continental football’s elite stage.

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CECAFA Zone: Weekend CAF Confederation Cup Results

Club (Country)	Result	Opponent (Country)	Key Insight
Nairobi United (Kenya)	2–0 (Home)	ES Sahel (Tunisia)	Ovella Ochieng and Duncan Omalla gave Kenya a historic win.
Azam FC (Tanzania)	2–0 (Away)	KMKM SC (Zanzibar)	Goals from Jephte Kitambala (6’) and Pascal Msindo (42’).
Singida Black Stars (Tanzania)	1–1 (Away)	Flambeau du Centre (Burundi)	Gained a valuable away goal to stay in control.
Dekedaha FC (Somalia)	0–6 (Away)	Zamalek (Egypt)	Heavy loss against experienced opponents.
AS Otoho d’Oyo (Congo)	1–0 (Away)	Ferroviário Maputo (Mozambique)	Crucial away win for Otoho’s progression hopes.

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Kenyan Football on the Rise

The Nairobi United vs ES Sahel result is a statement of intent from Kenyan football.

It highlights the progress of local clubs and the potential of Kenyan talent to compete with Africa’s finest. The goals from Ovella Ochieng and Duncan Omalla have reignited national pride and belief in the country’s footballing future.

As Nairobi United FC heads to Tunisia, the entire nation stands behind them — united by hope, passion, and the dream of continental glory.

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