Naibois aim to bounce back against Azam on Sunday

Nairobi United captain John Otieno in action against Azam at Nyayo/NAIROBI UNITED 

Nairobi United captain John Otieno reckons they possess the mojo to bounce back emphatically in the remaining CAF Confederation Cup Group B fixtures, despite a rocky start to the continental campaign.

The Kenyan representatives face a formidable test in Zanzibar in the reverse fixture against Tanzanian side Azam FC, a match that comes after a series of disappointing results.

The Naibois have yet to claim a victory on the African stage, having suffered three consecutive defeats in the competition’s group phase.

“The CAF group stage presents its own unique challenges,” Otieno said in an interview.

“The level of competition is much higher than in our domestic league. Mistakes are punished immediately, and the margin for error is extremely small. Experience at this level is crucial, and that is something we are still building.”

Nairobi United’s continental journey began with a 3-0 defeat to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, followed by a narrow 1-0 loss to DRC side AS Maniema. On Sunday, January 25, the team suffered another setback at home, losing 2-1 to Azam FC at Nyayo National Stadium.

Despite taking an early lead through a fine individual effort by Dancan Omalla, the advantage was short-lived. Congolese forward Jepthe Kitambala capitalised on a defensive lapse to restore parity for the visitors, and an own goal by Naibois goalkeeper Ernest Mohammed ultimately sealed the outcome in Azam’s favour.

Reflecting on the loss, Otieno emphasised the lessons to be learned rather than dwelling on the results.

“We let a first-half lead slip, and that cost us,” he said. “But football is played over 90 minutes. We have to focus on improving and preparing for the next matches. The group stage is demanding, and it exposes any gaps in experience. That is something we are aware of and working to address.”

The Naibois’ presence in the CAF competition represents a historic achievement for the club. They earned the right to represent Kenya after defeating Gor Mahia 2-1 in the 2025 FKF Cup final, a landmark victory for a team relatively new to the top flight of domestic football.

“The climb has been steep,” Otieno acknowledged. “Competing against established continental sides is never easy, but it is a challenge we earned. We have to respect it and approach it with focus and determination.”

Despite their current position at the bottom of Group B, with only three matches remaining, Otieno insists that hope remains alive.

“Yes, we have lost three games so far, but it is not over,” he said. “Our next challenge is away at Azam, and we believe we can get a positive result. We will focus on ourselves first, on playing our game and minimising mistakes. That is the only way we can compete effectively.”

The Naibois’ experience highlights the gap between domestic and continental competition, particularly in terms of tactical awareness, composure under pressure, and squad depth.

Otieno acknowledged that adapting to the CAF stage requires both mental and technical growth.

“The difference is clear when you play at this level,” he said. “Teams punish every lapse. It has shown us areas we need to improve—positioning, decision-making, and consistency. We will take these lessons forward and continue to build our team.”

For Nairobi United, the CAF Confederation Cup represents more than just results; it is an opportunity to gain exposure, test themselves against more experienced sides, and lay a foundation for future campaigns. Otieno emphasised that the players are taking each setback as a learning experience.

“We are gaining valuable experience, and that is important for the club and for Kenyan football,” he said. “Even in defeat, there are positives. We are focused on improving, and we know that we can compete if we approach each game professionally.”

As the Naibois prepare to travel to Zanzibar, Otieno remains determined to maintain belief in the squad.

“Football is about resilience,” he said. “We are not under pressure to do anything but give our best. We respect our opponents, but we are also confident in our ability. The season is not over, and neither is our mission in this competition.”

In the coming weeks, Nairobi United will aim to translate lessons from their initial CAF outings into tangible results. For the club and its supporters, the journey may be challenging, but it also represents a milestone for a team forging its path on the continental stage.

Otieno’s message is clear: experience, focus, and belief will guide the Naibois as they continue to test themselves against Africa’s best.