Nairobi United reach CAF Confederation Cup group stage, Pocket Millions of Shillings

Debutants Nairobi United sealed a maiden CAF Confederation Cup group stage berth in their first-ever appearance in continental football by eliminating two times African Cup Winners' Cup champions Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel. Naibois goalkeeper goalkeeper Kevin Oduor, produced a goalkeeping masterclass, saving two penalties and stepping up to score the decisive spot kick for Mozzart Bet Cup champions edged out Étoile Sportive du Sahel 7-6 on post-match penalties, following a tense 2-0 defeat in Sousse on Sunday,26 October evening that leveled the tie 2-2 on aggregate. In the shootout, Frank Ouya missed one of United’s early kicks, but teammates John Otieno, Brian Magare, Brian Mzee, Chris Opondo, and Lennox Ogutu all converted. Goalkeeper Kevin Oduor then etched his name into Nairobi United’s folklore, saving two crucial penalties before confidently dispatching the winning spot kick—to seal a 7-6 triumph to send the Nicholas Muyoti-coached side into the lucrative group phase. The victory marks a watershed moment for the ambitious Kenyan side, who have become the latest club from the country to make it to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages. Beyond the continental recognition, Nairobi United’s historic feat also delivers a massive financial windfall, with CAF awarding USD 350,000 (approximately Ksh 51 million) to all group-stage participants, a timely boost for the ambitious side. With Étoile chasing a two-goal deficit from the first leg in Nairobi, the hosts began aggressively at Stade Olympique de Sousse. The hosts restarted strongly and took the lead ten minutes into the second half through Mohamed Ryan Anen, who latched onto a loose ball inside the box to make it 1-0. Étoile, buoyed by the home crowd, Anen once again rose highest to head home a late goal, leveling the aggregate 2-2 and sending the tie to a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.