CAFCC: Advantage Nairobi United after stunning Étoile Sportive du Sahel

Debunts Kenyan Premier League side Nairobi United secured a historic CAF Confederation Cup 2-0 victory against Tunisian giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the second preliminary round, first leg fixture at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday.

In a game that was played behind closed, United needed a goal in either half half goals via midfielder Ovella Ochieng and John Otieno to ensure they will travel to Tunis for the return leg at Stade Olympique de Sousse on Sunday, October 26th, carrying a healthy advantage.

They will now need a draw of any kind to make history by reaching the knockout stages of the competition in their first attempt. Nicknamed the Naibois, United are featuring in the competition for the first time having defeated Kenyan record champions Gor Mahia 2-1 in the final of the FKF domestic Cup at the end of last season.

Ovella Ochieng opened the scoring account

Ahead of the game against Etoile, coach Nicholas Muyoti had promised to secure a comfortable result to help make their return leg easier. And true to Muyoti’s words, NairobI United looked the better side from kick-off and after several missed chances, their breakthrough came in the 37th minute.

Ovella Ochieng, who was formerly at AFC Leopards before making the switch to the promoted FKF Premier League side, found the back of the net after racing to finish off a cross from Duncan Omala.

The first half ended Nairobi United enjoying a 1-0 lead but they should have had more had Michael Karamor, Ochieng, and Omala been clinical in the chances they had created.

At the start of the second half, Nairobi United continued from where they left and they doubled their lead in the 57th minute when John Otieno riffled home from cross range.

The outcome remained the same until the final whistle with Nairobi United carrying the day against a team that paraded former Gor Mahia and Kenya national team Harambee Stars defender Alphonse Omija.

The display against Etoile du Sahel was much improved that Nairobi United first preliminary round two-legged affair where they qualified on the away goals rule to reach the second round. United played against Ugandan Premier League side NEC FC to manage a 3-3 aggregate result.

The first leg in Kampala ended in a 2-2 draw before the return fixture producing a 1-1 outcome in Nairobi.