Nairobi United Stun Étoile du Sahel to Take Commanding First-Leg Lead in CAF Confederation Cup

Kenyan debutants Nairobi United produced a stunning performance on Sunday evening, defeating Étoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisia 2–0 in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Goals from Ovella Ochieng in the 37th minute and Dancun Omala early in the second half (52’) gave the “Naibois” a massive first-leg advantage and left the crowd dreaming of continental glory.

The Tunisian giants, who handed Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija a starting role against his countrymen, struggled to cope with Nairobi United’s intensity and fast-paced transitions.

Now, only 90 minutes stand between Nairobi United and history — a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, which would make them the first Kenyan side to reach that level since Gor Mahia in 2019.

There’s also a sense of déjà vu for Kenyan fans. The last time a local club beat Tunisian opposition 2–0 at home, they went on to advance. Back in 2019, Bandari FC defeated US Ben Guerdane by the same scoreline at Kasarani through goals from Yema Mwana and Abdallah Hassan, before clinching a dramatic 3–2 aggregate victory in Tunisia. In that memorable tie, William Wadri scored and Michael Wanyika pulled off a heroic penalty save to seal progression.

For Nairobi United, this campaign is nothing short of a football fairy tale. Promoted to the FKF Premier League at the start of the 2025/26 season, the team stunned Kenyan record champions Gor Mahia in the Mozzart Bet Cup final to earn their ticket to continental football. Now, they stand on the verge of writing an even bigger chapter in Kenyan football history.

The decisive return leg will be played in Tunisia on Sunday, 26th October 2025, where the newly promoted side will look to defend their lead against the Tunisian giants.

It’s do or die for both sides — but for Nairobi United, the dream of Africa’s grand stage is suddenly within reach.