Nairobi United’s CAF hopes fade after home defeat to Maniema Union

The match kicked off with both sides showing both intent and caution as they struggled to break each other’s defensive lines. Despite the pace and physicality of the opening 45 minutes, neither team could convert, sending the match into halftime locked at 0–0.

The second half proved decisive. Both teams introduced fresh legs, but Maniema's change soon paid off when substitute Mboma Kinda broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a well-timed finish. The goal stunned the home crowd and shifted pressure onto Nairobi United, who made several substitutions in an attempt to overturn the deficit.

Despite late surges and improved ball movement, Naibois struggled to break through Maniema’s disciplined backline.

At full time, the Congolese visitors walked away with all three points, leaving Nairobi United with their second consecutive loss of the group stage. With zero points from two matches and a negative goal difference, Naibois now have significantly slimmer chances of progressing to the knockout round.

The team will now look ahead to a crucial double-header against Tanzania’s Azam FC, scheduled for January 25 the following year. A win in that fixture, preferably by a good margin, will be essential if Nairobi United are to revive any hopes of survival in Group B. They must now regroup, correct their inefficiencies and seek favourable results in upcoming fixtures to keep their continental journey alive.