Nairobi United captain admits to CAF group stages hurdles
By Luke Oluoch, January 26, 2026Nairobi United skipper John Otieno has issued an honest assessment of the team’s chances in the CAF inter-clubs continental games, admitting that the team faces a tough challenge to cope with the demands of the elevated stage
Speaking to a local TV station on Monday, January 26, 2026, Otieno opined that, unlike the local FKF PL games, the levels in the CAF games have been more demanding, with little room for error and mistakes.
After four games, Naibois are still in search of their first win after letting go of a first-half lead to lose 2-1 to Azam FC on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Dancan Omalla scored a superb solo goal as the Kenyan representatives, Nairobi United, seemed on course to break their group stage duck in the clash.
The strike, however, proved short-lived after Congolese Jepthe Kitambala capitalised on an indecisive defense to bag an almost instant equaliser in the clash and get the visitors leveled.
An own goal from Naibois keeper Ernest Mohammed, however, snapped the Kenyan search for a maiden win in the CAF Confederations Cup games as Salim Ali’s charges remained bottom of their group after match day 4.
Not letting go of hope
“The group stage of CAF has its own demands. It has been quite a tough climb. At this stage, if you make a mistake, you get punished. I think we have lacked the necessary experience for that stage, and it is what showed in the group,” he stated.
The KPL newbies made history in 2025 by beating Gor Mahia 2-1 in the FKF Shield Cup finals to earn the honour to represent Kenya in the CAF Confederations Cup.
The climb has proved steep for the side. With only three group matches remaining and a diminishing margin for error, Otieno has, however, kept the faith amid the bleak prospects.
“After the loss to Azam, we have now lost three games, but it is not over yet. We shift focus to the away clash with Azam. They have won on our turf, and we are also capable of doing the same at their home. Football is played in 90 minutes, and we are not under pressure. We are competing against ourselves first. We earned this challenge, and we are focused on getting something from the group stages,” he posited.