Nairobi United’s struggles in the CAF Confederation Cup continued on Sunday afternoon as they suffered a painful 1-0 defeat to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in a Group B Round Five encounter played in Nairobi.
The Kenyan side started the match with confidence and looked the more dangerous outfit in the opening half. They moved the ball with purpose and repeatedly troubled the Wydad backline, but a familiar problem returned to haunt them - poor decision making in the final third.
Shami Mwinyi found himself in promising positions twice but failed to capitalise, hesitating when clean through on goal on one occasion and choosing to pass instead of shooting on another. Lesley Owino later tested the Wydad goalkeeper with a powerful long range effort, while Dancan Omala saw a follow up chance ruled out for offside.
Wydad were largely quiet before the break, relying on isolated efforts from Hakim Ziyech, who fired wide from the edge of the area. Nairobi United goalkeeper Kevin Oduor was called into action late in the half, producing a key save before quickly launching a counter attack that almost paid off, only for Benson Omala to miss from close range.
After the interval, head coach Salim Ali attempted to change the tempo by introducing Titus Ssematimba, Muhadjiri Hakizimana and Charles Waibi. The substitutions brought renewed energy as Nairobi United dominated possession for long spells, pushing Wydad deep into their own half and forcing a series of corners and free kicks.
Despite the sustained pressure, clear cut chances remained elusive and the breakthrough never came. Instead, it was Wydad who struck late against the run of play. In the 89th minute, Walid Nassi burst into space and squared the ball for Wissam Ben Yedder, who finished from close range to silence the home crowd.
Things went from bad to worse in stoppage time when defender Steve Biko was shown a straight red card after denying Wydad a clear goal scoring opportunity, compounding Nairobi United’s misery in the dying moments.
The result leaves Nairobi United winless after five group matches, with defeat once again highlighting their struggles in front of goal. They will now turn their attention to their final group fixture away to Maniema Union, hoping to end a difficult CAF Confederation Cup campaign on a positive note.
