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CAF Confederation Cup: Nairobi United seek redemption in Zanzibar clash against Azam
28th January, 2026 07:32 PM
Nairobi United head to Zanzibar on Sunday, February 1, 2026, determined to revive their CAF Confederation Cup campaign when they face Azam FC, following a difficult start that has seen them lose all three of their opening Group B matches in their debut season.
The Kenyan side went down 2–1 to the Tanzanians last weekend at Nyayo Stadium, a result that left them rooted at the bottom of the group. Despite the setback, Technical Director Salim Ali believes his team is on the right path and has taken valuable lessons from the first meeting.
Salim Ali optimistic
“I think we played very well. What went wrong is the mistakes that we had, the few mistakes that punished us, and of course, at that level, making such mistakes is not allowed,” Salim said on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in training sessions.
He, however, remains encouraged by the progress shown by his squad, noting that their steady development could soon translate into results.
“But the boys are growing day by day. If we can contain Azam, then it means that maturity is coming in slowly,” he added.
Nairobi United, popularly known as Naibois, are facing mounting pressure to deliver, but Salim insists their campaign is far from over, pointing to the tight nature of Group B standings. Wydad Casablanca lead the group with nine points, followed by Maniema Union on six points, Azam on three, while Nairobi United are yet to register a point.
“Football is crazy sometimes. When we play and minimise the mistakes that we did in Nairobi, then it is something that we can build on,” Salim noted. “It is only one team that has nine points, Maniema has six, and Azam has three. So if we get our first win at home against Wydad, which is possible, then you never know what can happen.”
In-form Omala
The tactician also singled out striker Duncan Omala for praise, describing the forward as one of the bright sparks in the team’s continental adventure. Omala was on target for Nairobi United’s consolation goal against the Tanzanian side on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
“Duncan Omala, at his age, surpasses everything. The way he is growing, I believe, is good for his career,” Salim said. “Leave alone the goal that he scored against Azam, there are beautiful goals that he has scored, of course, against Shabana. So I believe if we get a player who scores locally and internationally, it means there is a very big growth that is coming from the team.”
With their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, Nairobi United know only a positive result in Zanzibar will keep their dream alive. The clash against Azam therefore presents not just a chance for revenge, but also an opportunity to prove that the painful lessons from Nairobi have been well learned.
