Nairobi United coach on how absence of influential duo cost them victory against AS Maniema
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 01.12.25. | 20:15
Speaking after the match, the former Mathare United head coach decried the absence of the influential duo
Nairobi United technical director Salim Ali has elaborated on how missing winger Ovella Ochieng and midfielder Brian Mzee affected them following a deflating loss to DR Congo’s AS Maniema.
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The two sides met in a CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) Group B match played on Sunday, 30 November, where Maniema emerged 1-0 victors.
With Ovella and Mzee, who are both starters in the team missing, Ali resorted to former Tusker FC winger Shami Kibwana and Brian Mogire to replace the missing duo.
Speaking after the match, the former Mathare United head coach decried the absence of the influential duo.
"We missed Ovella with speed and Mzee with his simplicity and forward passing. Nevertheless, we have 29 members of the squad and each of them should be able to compete when given an opportunity,” said Ali.
Naibois were guilty of spurning several goal-scoring opportunities, especially in the first half, where they were also on top but with nothing to show for their dominance.
“We did not attempt many chances despite playing with flair. Maybe it is because of the pressure to perform, so I will take that.
We must try to convert our chances. In the second half, they utilised their experience. They managed the game and got an opportunity score when we were pushing for a goal ourselves,” added Ali.
Following the loss, Naibois are at the bottom of the group with zero points, while Maniema and Wydad have six points, making it difficult for the Mozzart Bet Cup champions to qualify for the quarter finals, as admitted by the coach.
“I believe at this level, the most important thing is to get three points, not the number of goals scored.
We gave them an opportunity to score, and now they have six points. It is a mountain to climb, but we have four games to go, and we will try to win,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Ali could not help but be proud of his team, who are in their debut season in CAF interclub competitions.
“Despite the level and the young squad, I have very good players and with character who can switch in a moment. They were not bulldozed, and even against Wydad, they gave a good account of themselves.”
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