CAF Confederation Cup: Nairobi United to Face Tanzanian, Moroccan Outfits in Tricky Group B

 Newly-promoted Nairobi United FC have been handed a challenging debut group stage draw in the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup, it emerged following the draw in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

The reigning FKF Cup holders have  been placed in Group B alongside continental heavyweights Wydad AC (Morocco), Azam FC (Tanzania), and AS Maniema Union (DR Congo). 

The draw brings a rapid ascent for Nairobi United, who sealed their place in the group stage by eliminating two-time champions Étoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisia in the second preliminary round. 

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The tie went to penalties after the aggregate was level, and goalkeeper Kevin Oduor saved the decisive spot-kick before converting the match-winner himself. 

Despite the fairy-tale achievement, the task ahead is daunting. Wydad AC are Casablanca giants boasting multiple CAF Champions League titles and boast a long tradition of continental success. 

Azam FC, meanwhile, have quietly become a regular feature in African competition from Tanzania, and Maniema Union return to the group stage for a second season running. 

Nairobi United’s manager and supporters will now be focused not just on competing but on establishing credibility in a group filled with experience, pedigree, and continental ambition. Each match will test the club’s defensive discipline, tactical maturity, and ability to perform under pressure.

Another milestone for the Kenyan club is that the 2025-26 group stage begins on 23 November 2025, continuing through to February next year. Nairobi United will look to make an impact and possibly exploit any complacency in teams expecting easier opposition.

For Kenyan football, the presence of Nairobi United in the group stage adds momentum to the country’s growing status in continental club competitions. 

It is also the first time a Kenyan side has tasted the group stages of an African club competition since Gor Mahia in 2019, a year in which they reached the quarter finals.

Their journey provides hope that other Kenyan clubs may follow the path and earn similar invites to Africa’s club tournaments. 

The eyes of the local supporters will now turn to what happens both on the pitch and in the stands as Nairobi United take their place on a larger stage.

As the draw curtain closes, Nairobi United’s campaign begins — poised between ambition and autopsy, ready to earn respect and write a new chapter for Kenyan club football in Africa.

Meanwhile, Baron Ochieng, who now plays for Zamalek FC and was recently drafted into the Harambee Stars squad, will be hoping to help his teammates reclaim the title they won in 2024 when they take on Zesco United, Kaizer Chiefs and Al Masry in group D.

Group A: USM Alger (Algeria) Djoliba AC (Mali) Olympic Club Safi (Morocco) FC San Pedro (Côte d’Ivoire)

Group B: Wydad AC (Morocco) AS Maniema Union (DR Congo) Azam FC (Tanzania) Nairobi United FC (Kenya)

Group C: CR Belouizdad (Algeria) Stellenbosch FC (South Africa) AS Otohô (Congo-Brazzaville) Singida Black Stars (Tanzania)

Group D: Zamalek SC (Egypt) Al Masry SC (Egypt) Kaizer Chiefs FC (South Africa) Zesco United FC (Zambia)**