Nairobi United draw Tanzania’s Azam FC in CAF Confederation Cup group stage
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 3, 2025Nairobi United will face Tanzanian club Azam FC in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup group stage after the draw placed the two CECAFA sides together in Group B.
The draw took place on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the SuperSport Studio in Johannesburg, led by CAF Head of Competitions Khaled Nassar, with former African internationals Christopher Katongo and Alex Song assisting.
The Kenyan debutants join Morocco’s Wydad AC and AS Maniema Union of DR Congo in a competitive pool as they prepare for their first-ever group campaign on the continental stage. Group matches will kick off on November 23, 2025, and run until February 2026.
Nairobi United earned its spot after a dramatic qualifying journey. They knocked out Tunisia’s Etoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS) 7–6 on penalties after a 2–2 aggregate draw.
The Kenyan side had stunned ESS 2-0 at Ulinzi Complex in Nairobi in the first leg before the Tunisian giants responded with a late 2–0 win at home. With no extra time, Nairobi stayed calm in the shoot-out to secure their place among Africa’s top clubs.
Earlier in qualifying, Nairobi advanced past Uganda’s NEC FC on away goals after 2–2 and 1–1 draws. Their continental run follows a rapid rise at home, where they earned promotion to the Kenyan Premier League and lifted the Mozzart Bet Cup last season. They are Kenya’s only representatives in CAF competitions this term.
More CECAFA sides featured
Other East African interest lies with Singida Black Stars of Tanzania, who were placed in Group C alongside Algeria’s CR Belouizdad, South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC and AS Otoho from Congo Brazzaville.
Defending champions Zamalek headline Group D with Al Masry, Kaizer Chiefs and Zesco United, while Group A features USM Alger, Djoliba AC, Olympique Club de Safi and FS San Pedro.
Nairobi United will now focus on their opening fixtures as they look to extend their impressive rise and compete with some of Africa’s most established clubs.