Nairobi United became the first Kenyan club to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on debut, following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Étoile Sportive du Sahel in Tunisia on October 26, 2025.
This marks the first time since Gor Mahia’s 2018 campaign that a Kenyan club has reached the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
Nairobi United’s Historic Run
The Mozzart Bet Cup champions, Nairobi United, carried a 2–0 advantage from the first leg in Nairobi into a tense return fixture in Tunisia.
Étoile Sportive du Sahel matched the scoreline to level the tie 2–2 on aggregate, pushing the contest to penalties.
Goalkeeper Kevin Oduor delivered a standout performance, saving two penalties and converting the final kick to secure a 7–6 shootout victory.
Nairobi United, only recently promoted to the top flight from the National Super League (NSL), secured continental qualification by winning the domestic cup, the Kenya Premier League (KPL).
Their rapid rise and resilience against North African opposition signal a new chapter for Kenyan football.
CAF Group Stage Format
The CAF Confederation Cup group stage features 16 teams divided into four groups of four.
Each team plays six matches —home and away — with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.
The draw for the group stage will be held on November 3 in Johannesburg, South Africa, with matches commencing on November 23, 2025.
Qualified Teams
North Africa
- Zamalek SC (Egypt)
- Al Masry SC (Egypt)
- Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
- Olympique de Safi (OC Safi) (Morocco)
- USM Alger (Algeria)
- CR Belouizdad (Algeria)
East Africa
- Azam FC (Tanzania)
- Singida Black Stars (Tanzania)
- Nairobi United (Kenya)
Southern Africa
- Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa)
- Stellenbosch FC (South Africa)
- ZESCO United (Zambia)
West & Central Africa
- San Pedro (Ivory Coast)
- AS Maniema Union (DR Congo)
- Djoliba AC (Mali)
- AS Otoho (Republic of Congo)
Prize Money Breakdown
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the prize money structure for the 2025–26 CAF Confederation Cup, marking a significant increase (40%) in financial rewards for participating clubs.
The revised figures reflect CAF’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness and commercial appeal of its second-tier continental tournament.
| Stage | Prize Money (USD) | Prize Money (KSh) |
| Winner | $2,000,000 | Ksh258,400,000 |
| Runner-up | $1,000,000 | Ksh129,200,000 |
| Semi-finalists | $750,000 | Ksh96,900,000 |
| Quarter-finalists | $550,000 | Ksh71,060,000 |
| 3rd in Group Stage | $400,000 | Ksh51,680,000 |
| 4th in Group Stage | $400,000 | Ksh51,680,000 |
| Preliminary Round Exit | $100,000 | Ksh12,920,000 |
CAF’s financial restructuring is also expected to stimulate better club management, infrastructure investment, and youth development, particularly in regions where football funding remains limited.
Implications for Clubs
This financial boost is expected to have a transformative impact, especially for debutant and mid-tier clubs.
Nairobi United, Kenya’s first-ever debutant to reach the group stage, is set to earn at least Ksh51,680,000.
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Should they progress to the quarter-finals, their earnings will rise to Ksh71,060,000, with further advancement offering exponential financial returns.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized that the revised prize money is part of a long-term plan to make African club competitions globally competitive and financially sustainable.
The Confederation Cup, often overshadowed by the CAF Champions League, is now positioned as a viable platform for emerging clubs to gain continental exposure and financial stability.
Impact on Kenyan Football
For fans and stakeholders, Nairobi United’s success has reignited interest in local football.
The exposure from CAF matches is expected to attract new sponsors, improve media coverage, and inspire youth academies across the country.
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Moreover, their achievement could pressure the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to improve league standards, officiating, and club licensing.
Preparations are underway to strengthen the squad, with reports indicating interest in experienced midfielders and defenders.
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