Debutants Nairobi United have made a windfall after becoming the first-ever Kenyan team to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on their debut appearance.

The Nicholas Muyoti-coached side edged out Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel 7–6 in Sousse on penalties on Sunday evening, October 26, 2025, after a 2–2 aggregate draw over the two legs, as the last Kenyan club to reach the Confederation Cup stage was Gor Mahia in 2018.

After making history in Tunisia, Nairobi United have earned a total of Ksh58.1 million as part of CAF prize money, with Ksh6.4 million for qualifying for the preliminary round and an additional Ksh51.7 million for reaching the group stage.

Away from making a continental statement by sinking the Tunisian giants in their backyard, it has been a remarkable four months for the Kenyan Premier League side. The team earned promotion to the FKF Premier League after winning the National Super League, went ahead to win the FKF Cup by defeating Gor Mahia in the final to book a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Naibois also successfully navigated the preliminary and second rounds of the continental competition. In the same period, the team made their Premier League debut, winning two of their first three matches.

Étoile Sportive du Sahel achievements

The Tunisian bigwigs have a rich history in local and continental football. The team has won numerous titles both domestically and internationally, making it one of the most successful clubs in Tunisia and Africa.

Domestic Titles:

Tunisian League Champion: 11 times
Tunisian Cup Winner: 10 times
Tunisian Super Cup Winner: 3 times

Continental Titles:

CAF Champions League: 1 time (2007)
CAF Confederation Cup: 2 times (2006, 2015)
CAF Cup: 2 times (1995, 1999)
African Cup Winners’ Cup: 2 times (1994, 2003)
CAF Super Cup: 2 times (1998, 2007)

Meanwhile, the line-up for the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group stage has been confirmed after a dramatic weekend of second-leg clashes that produced goals, upsets and history across Africa. The 16 qualified clubs include continental heavyweights, past champions, and spirited newcomers, setting the stage for a mouthwatering draw in Johannesburg on Monday, November 3, 2025.

The 16 teams will be split into four groups of four, with matches kicking off in November. From defending champions to debutants, the 2025/26 edition of Africa’s second-tier club competition already promises another captivating chapter in the continent’s football story.