Kenya’s Nairobi United blew their chance of advancing to the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup going down 2-1 to Tanzania’s Azam FC on Sunday, 25 January at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Heading into the match, both teams had not earned a point nor scored in the previous group stages of the current campaign.
The hosts took the lead in the 14th minute through Duncan Omalla, who curled the ball to the roof of the goal after being picked up by Michael Karamor.
The 19 year old Omalla a younger brother and teamate to Kenyas national football team Harambee Stars striker Benson scored his fifth goal in six matches across all competitions, giving Nairobi United a historic moment.
The goal not only gave Nairobi United the lead but also marked their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage goal, a milestone moment for the club.
However, the celebrations were short-lived as Azam seemed to have been rattled by the goal and intensified their attack in search of an equalizer, which came five minutes later.
From a Naibois restart, Nairobi United goalkeeper Ernest Mohammed had a poor kick that found an Azam Yoro Diaby in the middle of the pack who launched an attack in the box which Congolese forward Jephte Kitambala controlled, before turning and striking it past Mohammed who was off his line for a 19th minute equalizer.
At the restart of the second half, Coach Salim Ali handed the 2023/24 Kenyan Premier League top scorer and former Gor Mahia forward who joined Nairobi United during the mid-season transfer window after parting ways with Cambodian side Visakha FCBenson Omalla his debut, replacing Michael Karamor, while Azam head coach Florent Ibenge introduced Zidane Sereri for Diakhite.
In the 83rd minute, a shot from captain Himid Mao struck the post and rebounded off goalkeeper Ernest Mohammed into the net for to gift Azam the win from an own goal.
With the result, Azam earned their first three points to remain third, while Naibois’ qualification chances got complicated with three losses in three matches.
The Tanzanian moneybags’ Azam managed to secure a historic 2-1 victory, their first-ever win in the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage.
The defeat leaves Nairobi United still searching for points in the group after earlier losses to Wydad Casablanca and AS Maniema Union. Coach Salim Ali’s side will now shift focus to the return fixture against Azam FC away in Zanzibar on 1st February 2026
Nairobi United Starting XI: Ernest Mohammed, Yusuf Mainge, Kevin Otiende, John Otieno, Lennox Ogutu, Roy Okal, Lesley Owino, Enock Machaka, Dancun Omala, Michael Karamor, Ovella Ochieng
Azam FC Starting XI: Zubedi Masudi, Yoro Diaby, Lusajo Mwaikenda, Feisalslillah, Pascal Msindo, Elias Lameck, Cheikna Diakite, Yahya Omari, Iddi Alli, Jephte Kitambala, Himid Mkami.
