Nairobi United Takes on As Maniema Union in Caf Confederations Group Tie

Kenya’s representative in the CAF Confederations Cup Nairobi United FC will host DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on Sunday as the competition group stage gets to match day two. Nairobi United, in their debut at the continental group stages, will be seeking to turn the tides to their favor as they currently sit at the bottom of group B following their 3-0 defeat away to former champions Morrocan side Wydad Athletic Club and AS Maniema Union 2-0 victory over Azam of Tanzania last week. Tickets for the game to be played at Kasarani stadium are available online and can purchased through tikiti.co.ke. Regular tickets go for Ksh 200 while the VIP tickets are being sold at Ksh 500. Those intending to buy the limited VVIP tickets can get theirs at the price of Ksh 3,000. This fixture marks the second matchday of the group stage for Nairobi United, and fans are looking forward to turning out in large numbers to back the team as they hunt for their first group stage points. The Debutants Nairobi United were dominated away in Morocco with an 3–0 loss in their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage encounter staged on Sunday,23 November at Laribi Zaouli Stadium in Morocco. Wydad, one of Africa’s most seasoned sides, named a strong team featuring former Yanga midfielder Aziz Ki, South African forward Thembinkosi Lorch "Nyoso" and Moroccan veteran Nordin Amrabat. Nairobi United had reduced their deficit when Shami Kibwana set up Enock Machaka, who slotted in a neat goal only to ruled offside. AS Maniema Union on the other hand got off to a strong start with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania’s Azam FC at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. Wydad AS and AS Maniema Union are bot tied on 3 points, with the Moroccans slightly ahead at the top of the group due to a superior goal difference. Nairobi United and Azam FC, both starting with 0 points, sit at the bottom. For Nairobi United, this makes the home clash against Maniema Union a crucial must-win match. Securing three points at Kasarani is essential to wipe out the deficit from their opening loss, climb out of the bottom half of the standings, and keep their ambitions of progressing to the knockout stages well and truly alive.