Nairobi United seek redemption in Lubumbashi as CAF campaign ends
Their campaign has included two narrow defeats to Wydad AC, two losses to Azam FC and a 1-0 defeat to AS Maniema Union in the reverse fixture on November 30, 2025. With qualification hopes extinguished, the focus now shifts to finishing the campaign on a positive note and gaining valuable experience at continental level.- "Finish on a high" - Technical director Salim Ali struck an optimistic tone ahead of the trip, describing the encounter as a “cracker of a match” and stressing the importance of converting chances. “I think it will be a cracker of a match. Maniema need the three points, and for us we want to finish on a high as a team,” said Ali.“If we can play the way we did against Wydad and be more clinical in front of goal, it will be good for us.” Ali pointed to missed opportunities in the home leg against Maniema as a key area for improvement. “The most important thing is converting chances. We created many opportunities when we played Maniema at home and did well in terms of chance creation, but we didn’t score. We need to improve on that,” he added. On team news, Ali confirmed the squad is largely fit. “Preparation has been good. Most of the players are available, with only two or three still out injured. Ovella is out, and Ssematimba should be back in about a week.”- "The biggest difference" - Goalkeeper Kevin Oduor echoed the confidence in camp, referencing the team’s spirited display against Wydad despite the result. “We expect a good game. In our last CAF match against Wydad, we played well and only lacked a goal. I believe we will score and get a positive result because of how hard we have worked this week in training,” Oduor said. He highlighted the pace of continental football as the main contrast with domestic competition. “The biggest difference is speed. In CAF competitions, teams play with much higher intensity. In the KPL, not every team plays at that pace. At this level, if you get one chance, you must take it. If you don’t, you get punished.” Oduor also outlined his personal ambitions for the season. “My goal is to have a strong season and establish myself among the best goalkeepers in the KPL.”However, their ability to create chances against top sides offers encouragement as they seek a first point of the campaign in Lubumbashi. Maniema Union, currently second in Group B with nine points from five matches, will be aiming for victory to secure their place in the knockout stages.
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