Nairobi United have scripted one of the most dramatic chapters in Kenyan football history qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage in their very first appearance after a nerve-racking penalty shootout win over Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel on Sunday night.
The newly promoted FKF Premier League side stunned the African heavyweights 7–6 on penalties after a 2–2 aggregate draw, becoming the first Kenyan team to reach the group stage on debut and the first since Gor Mahia in 2018 to advance this far in the continental tournament.
But the hero of the night, goalkeeper Kevin Oduor, endured a rollercoaster evening in Sousse. Having come into the clash with a 2–0 first-leg advantage from Nairobi, the Naibois looked on course for history until Oduor’s misjudged aerial challenge gifted Étoile a stoppage-time equaliser that forced penalties.
From villain to victor, Oduor redeemed himself spectacularly saving two penalties, including Étoile captain Nahim Nhid’s opener, before stepping up to bury the decisive spot-kick past Ben Hassen, silencing the roaring home crowd and sealing Nairobi United’s name in continental history.
Earlier, the Tunisians had drawn level on aggregate after Rayan Anen’s goal in the 53rd minute, piling pressure on coach Nicholas Muyoti’s men.
Yet the Naibois held firm skipper John Otieno marshalling the defence with composure, while forwards Ovella Ochieng and Dancan Omala threatened on the counter.
In the shootout, Nairobi’s penalty takers Otieno, Mzee, Otiende, Ogutu, Opondo, and Magare held their nerve before Oduor’s final conversion sparked wild celebrations.
The feat caps a fairy-tale run for Nairobi United, who in just four months have earned promotion from the National Super League, lifted the Mozzart Bet Cup by defeating Gor Mahia, and now stormed into the CAF group stages earning an estimated KSh58.1 million in prize money.
They also join an elite list of only four Kenyan clubs to eliminate a North African opponent, alongside Luo Union, Utalii, and Bandari.
Nairobi United will now await the CAF Confederation Cup group stage draw set for November 3, 2025, in Johannesburg, where 16 clubs will be divided into four groups of four.
