The East African football spotlight shifts to Nairobi this weekend as Tanzanian giants Azam FC touch down ahead of their crucial CAF Confederation Cup Group B encounter against Kenya’s Nairobi United.
Scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 16:00 EAT, this Matchday 3 fixture is more than just a local derby; it is a fight for continental survival. Both teams are currently searching for their first points in a challenging Group B, dominated by Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC and DR Congo’s Maniema Union.
Currently sitting 3rd and 4th in Group B respectively, Azam and Nairobi United have both endured a difficult start to the group stage, losing their opening two fixtures. With Wydad AC and Maniema already clear at the top with 6 points each, Sunday’s clash at the Nyayo National Stadium is a “six-pointer” that could determine which East African side keeps their knockout stage dreams alive.
Azam FC’s Powerhouse Traveling Squad
Head Coach Florent Ibenge has arrived with a formidable 25-man squad, blending veteran leadership with clinical attacking options.
Veteran Aishi Manula leads the goalkeeping department alongside Zuberi Foba and Antony Mpemba.
Azam FC’s veteran goalleeper Aish Manula
The squad is anchored by experienced Egyptian international Himid Mao, the creative Feisal Salum, and the industrious Sadio Kanoute. Congolese forward Jephte Kitambala and the clinical Zidane Sereri are expected to lead the line as Azam hunts for their first goals of the group stage.
Nairobi United on the other side are the ”underdogs” seeking history.
The Naibois have already defied the odds this season, dispatching Tunisian giants Etoile du Sahel to reach this stage. Despite a rocky start in the group, the Kenya side is banking on home support and the familiarity of the Nyayo turf to stun their Tanzanian rivals.
This match marks the first of a back-to-back double-header between the two sides, with the return leg set for February 1st at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.
CAF Confederation Cup (CAF CC) Weekend fixtures:
Saturday, January 24, 2026
USM Alger (ALG) vs. Djoliba AC (MLI)
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Nairobi United (KEN) vs. Azam FC (TAN)
ZESCO United (ZAM) vs. Kaizer Chiefs (RSA)
San-Pedro (CIV) vs. Olympic Club Safi (MAR)
Singida Black Stars (TAN) vs. AS Otohô (CGO)
Wydad AC (MAR) vs. Maniema Union (DRC)
CR Belouizdad (ALG) vs. Stellenbosch FC (RSA)
Zamalek SC (EGY) vs. Al Masry (EGY)
