Wydad Outclass Nairobi United in Casablanca to Open CAF Confederation Cup Campaign

Nairobi United endured a tough introduction to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage after falling 3-0 to Moroccan giants Wydad AC in Casablanca on Sunday evening. The Kenyan side were overwhelmed by Wydad’s pace, precision and physical presence, with the hosts asserting dominance from the opening minutes in front of an intimidating home crowd.

The match got off to the worst possible start for Nairobi United when Ayoub Boucheta opened the scoring just three minutes in. Thembinkosi Lorch, who was a constant threat on the left flank throughout the match, created the chance with a clever assist that sliced open United’s shaky defence.

Wydad continued to dictate play, and in the ninth minute, Aziz Ki sprayed a long diagonal ball to Lorch, who again forced goalkeeper Kevin Oduor into a save at the near post. The pressure mounted as Nordin Amrabat tried to draw a penalty moments later, but the referee waved play on. 

United’s backline looked nervous, and in the 17th minute, Oduor was nearly punished after a poor backpass forced him into a hurried clearance under pressure from Amrabat.

The Moroccan side should have doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark when Mohamed Bouchouari found himself unmarked in the box, only to drag his shot wide of an empty goal. Nairobi United finally produced their first meaningful chance through a counterattack launched by Shami Kibwana, whose left-footed strike flashed wide after exploiting space down the right.

Wydad eventually earned their second goal in the 43rd minute, with Bouchouari making up for his earlier miss by hammering home a superb finish to put the hosts 2-0 up heading into halftime.

The second half brought little relief for Nairobi United as Wydad maintained control. In the 58th minute, Leslie Owino was forced into a desperate last-ditch tackle to deny Hamza Hannouri after Lorch, now operating on the right, delivered a dangerous low cross into the area.

United briefly thought they had pulled one back when Kibwana’s pass found Enock Machaka, who finished neatly, but the flag went up for offside. Coach Salim Ali attempted to inject more attacking threat by bringing on Ovella Ochieng for Duncan Omala, but the change did little to turn the tide.

Wydad eventually sealed the victory in the 86th minute when Mohamed Rayhi curled a clever left-footed effort into the bottom corner, putting the result beyond doubt and securing a commanding 3-0 win.

The defeat leaves Nairobi United bottom of the group after the opening round of fixtures. They will now shift focus to their next match, where they face Maniema Union at Kasarani Stadium in what already feels like a crucial encounter in their continental campaign.