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Why Nairobi United coach is inspired by Liverpool’s improbable 2005 UEFA Champions League glory
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 30.01.26. | 11:00
Naibois have lost their first three CAF CC Group B matches and will need such will and determination to secure three wins in their remaining matches that would then seal a quarter-final slot
While many observers have already written off Nairobi United, the team still believes they have a chance of qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup (CAF CC) quarterfinal, drawing inspiration from the legendary glory of Liverpool in the 2005 UEFA Champions League.
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The Reds staged a remarkable second-half comeback against AC Milan to end the game 3-3 in regular time and win it on post-match penalties despite being 3-0 down at halftime.
Naibois have lost their first three CAF CC Group B matches and will need such will and determination to secure three wins in their remaining matches that would then seal a quarter-final slot.
“Football is crazy; in 2005, Liverpool won the UEFA Champions League despite losing 3-0 at halftime, and so if we play according to plan and minimize mistakes, I believe we can create something. If we get the first win, we might kickstart a comeback qualification,” Salim told Naibois Media.
In the same competition, Italian club Atalanta sealed a round of 16 slot in the 2019/20 season despite losing their first three group matches.
In their first-leg clash against Azam on Sunday, 25 January, Naibois went ahead through Dancun Omalla’s 13th-minute strike, but goals from Jephte Kitambala in the 17th minute and an Ernest Mohammed own goal sealed the win for the Tanzanian side.
The former Mathare United tactician took time to share the reasons for losing the match at home.
“What went wrong is that we made some mistakes that are always punished at that top level. However, if we can contain Azam as we did, it means that we are slowly maturing as a team,” he added.
Naibois will have an opportunity to kickstart a renaissance when they face Azam in the return leg scheduled for Sunday, 1 February, at the Azam Complex.
As it stands, Wydad AC are at the summit of the league with nine points, three more than Maniema, as Azam are third with three points, while Naibois are yet to earn their first point
