Why Nairobi United are confident of CAF Confederation Cup quarters berth
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 30.10.25. | 21:17
The team qualified following a 7-6 win in post-match penalties away to Tunisian club Etoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS) after a 2-2 aggregate draw over two legs
Following their historic qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC), Nairobi United technical director Salim Ali has now explained why he believes the team will advance even further in the continental tourney.
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The reigning Mozzart Bet Cup champions continued with their meteoric rise that saw them win the domestic cup in their first attempt and have now booked a place in the CAFCC group stage.
The team qualified following a 7-6 win in post-match penalties away to Tunisian club Etoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS) after a 2-2 aggregate draw over two legs.
Ali, who has been serving as the team’s makeshift head coach in continental assignments, explained why he is confident of reaching the quarter-finals.
“In Tunisia, there was a different atmosphere for the players, and what we saw from them was amazing. I have never seen it before. I believe we have all that it takes to progress as a team and make it,” said Ali.
The former Mathare United head coach went ahead to explain the chronology of the growing belief within the team.
“There were some things that you could see after we played. When we played against Gor Mahia and won in the final of the FKF Cup, there was a belief in the team that came,” he stated.
“When we played against NEC of Uganda and scored two away goals, there was another belief that the team had.
When we went up against Etoile, people cancelled us, but with the support we had, we had the belief,” remarked Ali.
On their qualification away to an intimidating crowd, Ali explained how his team endured the daunting atmosphere and what propelled them to secure victory.
“The match and atmosphere were very hostile. Their fans did not make it conducive for us on the pitch, but I thank the players for their mental toughness.
I believe mental toughness is the key that gives us success. I think it was bound to happen,” he stated.
