Nairobi United have written a new chapter in Kenyan football history after qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage in their first-ever continental appearance.
The Kenyan debutants triumphed 7–6 on penalties against Tunisia’s Etoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS) after a 2–2 aggregate draw over two legs, sealing a memorable qualification that crowns their rapid rise in recent seasons.
Nairobi United earned their continental ticket after winning the 2025 Mozzart Bet Cup, a triumph that capped a remarkable domestic campaign in which they also secured promotion to the SportPesa Premier League.
Their journey to the group stage began in the preliminary round against Uganda’s NEC FC, where they advanced on the away goals rule after drawing 2–2 in Kampala and 1–1 at Nyayo Stadium.
That set up a blockbuster second-round clash with North African giants Etoile du Sahel. At the Ulinzi Complex, Nicholas Muyoti’s charges stunned the visitors with a 2–0 first-leg win, before the Tunisians returned the favor in Sousse to level the tie 2–2 on aggregate.
The match went straight to penalties — and what followed was pure drama.
Villain Turned Hero
Goalkeeper Kevin Oduor, who had been at fault for Etoile’s late equaliser after misjudging a high ball, redeemed himself spectacularly in the shootout. He saved two penalties, including the opener from Etoile captain Nahim Nhid, before stepping up to score the winning spot-kick himself — sparking jubilant celebrations.
Oduor’s heroics sealed Nairobi United’s passage to the group stage with a 7–6 shootout win, sending shockwaves across the continent and silencing the Tunisian home crowd.
The result also makes Nairobi United the first Kenyan team to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage since Gor Mahia in 2018/19 — a milestone that underlines both their determination and the growth of Kenyan football.
Rising Force in Kenyan Football
Under head coach Nicholas Muyoti and the patronage of Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, the club’s success story continues to inspire. Having only gained promotion to the top tier in the 2024/25 season, Nairobi United have already achieved a domestic double — the National Super League title and the Mozzart Bet Cup — and now continental glory.
Their qualification is not just a footballing triumph but also a financial windfall. According to CAF allocations, the team stands to earn approximately KSh 51.6 million if they finish third or fourth in their group, and up to KSh 71 million should they progress to the quarter-finals. An additional KSh 6.4 million has been earmarked for teams participating in the preliminary rounds to cover travel expenses.
A Symbol of Hope
As Kenya’s sole representative on the continental stage this season, Nairobi United’s achievement is a beacon of hope for local football — proving that with structure, ambition, and self-belief, Kenyan clubs can compete with Africa’s best.
From the second tier to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, Nairobi United’s meteoric journey is nothing short of historic — a moment that will be remembered for generations.
