Nairobi – In one of the most gripping nights in Kenyan football, Nairobi United have written their names into history books after qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage — in their first-ever attempt.
The young club achieved the remarkable feat after edging Tunisia’s Etoile Sportive du Sahel 7–6 on penalties, following a 2–2 aggregate draw over two tense legs. The victory not only cemented their place among Africa’s elite but also captured the imagination of fans back home.
“It’s a dream come true for us and for Kenyan football,” said head coach Samuel Njoroge after the dramatic win. “We came here as underdogs, but the players believed in themselves. This is for Kenya.”
The journey to this milestone has been nothing short of extraordinary. Nairobi United earned their ticket to continental football by winning the 2025 Mozzart Bet Cup, capping off a season that also saw them promoted to the SportPesa Premier League.
Their first test came against Uganda’s NEC FC in the preliminary round. A 2–2 draw in Kampala’s Hamz Stadium followed by a 1–1 result in Nairobi was enough to see them progress on away goals — a hard-fought introduction to continental football.
Next came the ultimate challenge — a clash with the mighty Etoile Sportive du Sahel, one of North Africa’s most successful and feared sides. At the Ulinzi Complex, Nairobi United shocked the visitors with a commanding 2–0 first-leg win. But the Tunisians roared back in Sousse, levelling the aggregate with a 2–0 win of their own.
That set the stage for a nail-biting penalty shootout, where the Kenyans held their nerve. As the final Tunisian kick sailed over the bar, jubilation erupted — a moment years in the making for a team that had once fought its way through Kenya’s lower leagues.
“This is more than football. It’s belief, hard work, and heart,” said club captain Brian Ochieng, still catching his breath after the match.
For a club that only joined the top flight in the 2024/25 season, the achievement is monumental. From local pitches to Africa’s grand stage, Nairobi United’s rapid rise embodies the growing ambition and potential of Kenyan football.
As Kenya’s sole representative in continental competition this year, Nairobi United’s journey will be closely watched. For now, though, their victory stands as a beacon of hope — proof that dreams built on discipline and courage can indeed conquer the continent.
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