Nairobi United’s fairytale rise in Kenyan football continues after the Mozzart Cup champions booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage with a dramatic 7–6 penalty shootout win over Tunisia’s Étoile du Sahel on Saturday night. The tie ended 2–2 on aggregate after United won the first leg 2–0 in Nairobi before losing by the same margin in Sousse, forcing the match into a tense shootout.
It was another milestone in what has become one of the most inspiring stories in modern Kenyan football. Guided by the coaching duo of Nicholas Muyoti and Salim Ali, the Naibois have defied expectations at every step. Having only been promoted to the top flight this season, Nairobi United are now the first Kenyan club to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage since Gor Mahia in 2018.
Their continental journey began in the preliminary round, where they edged Uganda’s NEC FC on away goals after a 1–1 draw in Nairobi and a 2–2 draw in Kampala. Dancan Omala’s equalizer in the return leg proved decisive, sending Nairobi United through to the second round after 3–3 Aggregate scoreline where they met Étoile du Sahel.
At home, the newcomers stunned the Tunisian giants with a 2–0 victory,goals by Ovella Ochieng and Duncan Omalla showing confidence and tactical maturity beyond their years. Though the return leg in Sousse proved a different test, Étoile fighting back with two goals to level the aggregate, Nairobi United’s composure from the spot ensured their dream continued. They converted six of their seven penalties, with goalkeeper Kevin Oduor emerging as the hero after saving Two of Étoile’s spot kicks & scoring the last penalty/winner to seal qualification .
The qualification not only cements Nairobi United’s status as Kenya’s new continental force but also delivers significant financial gain. The club will pocket Ksh. 58.1 million in CAF prize money , Ksh. 6.4 million for advancing past the preliminary round and an additional Ksh. 51.7 million for reaching the group stage.
For a side that competed in the National Super League(NSL) just last season, the progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. Last season’s domestic double ; winning the NSL title and the Mozzart Cup after defeating record champions Gor Mahia in the final, marked their arrival. But this latest achievement has elevated them to continental recognition.
Their success also offers a ray of pride for Kenyan football following Police FC’s exit from the CAF Champions League against Al hilal Omdurman, losing by 4–1 aggregate Scoreline. Nairobi United now carry the nation’s hopes in the Confederation Cup, flying the Kenyan flag into the group stage where the continent’s elite await.
The CAF Confederation Cup group stage draw is set for November 3, 2025, when Nairobi United will discover their next opponents. Whatever comes next, their journey so far stands as a story of belief, ambition, and resilience , a reminder that even newcomers can dream and deliver on Africa’s biggest stage.
