CAF Confederation Cup: Nairobi Utd brace for crucial tie against Tanzania’s Azam FC
By Joel Masibo, January 21, 2026Debutants Nairobi United will seek their first important win when they host Tanzania’s Azam FC in a crucial CAF Confederation Cup match in Group B of the competition on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium starting at 4:00 pm EAT.
Naibois slipped to their second straight defeat in the contests as DR Congo’s AS Maniema edged a tight contest 1–0 at Kasarani on Sunday, November 30, 2025, staying level at the top of Group B with Morocco’s Wydad AC.
Seeking crucial points
A win for Nairobi United will revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the competition against Azam, who have also not won their two fixtures against AS Maniema and Wydad AC.
In the encounter against Maniema, the winner arrived in 67 minutes when Jaency Mboma Kinda stole across the near post to turn home a low cross from Chadoma Ozome.
It was a rare clear opening in a cagey game, but the forward’s deft finish proved decisive and preserved Maniema’s flawless defensive record in the section.
Before the breakthrough, chances were scarce. Maniema’s control improved after half-time following a double change on 46 minutes that introduced Obed Mbala and Sylva Tshitenge to inject more purpose in midfield and down the right.
Nairobi responded with a triple substitution on 69 minutes, but the Congolese side managed the closing stages expertly.
Nairobi’s best spell came late on, yet Kevin Otiende’s booking on 71 minutes summed up their frustration as the visitors slowed the tempo and protected their advantage.
Mboma Kinda was cautioned on 80 minutes, but Maniema, who replaced Ozome with Abed Bokomboli on 85, saw out the final moments with calm defending.
The result moved Maniema to six points from two matches, level with leaders Wydad AC, who won 1–0 away to Azam, but second on goal difference (Wydad 4:0, Maniema 3:0). Nairobi remain bottom without a point or a goal scored, while Azam are third.
The club will be banking on their new signings, after it has strengthened its squad, including the acquisition of Uganda Cranes defender Mustafa Kizza.
The 26-year-old left-back joins the Kenyan Premier League side from Uganda’s NEC FC as the club aims to improve its performance in domestic and continental competitions.