Nairobi United’s journey in the CAF Confederation Cup will end in the group stage following their 1-0 win to Azam FC in a clash staged in Zanzibar on Sunday evening.
The hosts had won the first meeting 2-1 in Nairobi last week which was their first in the campaign and were keen to replicate the same outing to boost their chances of making it to the knockout stage of the competition.
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Azam’s brilliant start were rewarded in the 11th minute when a superb delivery from Yahya Omary found Feisal ‘Toto’Salum, who struck home a low effort past United goalkeeper Kevin Oduor. They should have doubled their lead in the 18th minute when Salum’s pass from the right wing troubled United defenders to clear. Jephte Kitambala tried to sneak it into the net, but Oduor reacted quickly to make a superb save and keep the scores 1-0.
The visitors first real chance came in the 39th minute when Duncan Omala whipped in a dangerous cross looking for his brother Benson Omala, but the Azam defence reacted just in time to calm the situation.
United were to withdraw Muhadjiri Hakizimana for attacking midfielder Enock Machaga at the start of the second half as they looked for a goal to restore matters but the game remained balanced until the 53rd minute when Oduor produced another wonderful save to deny Salum.
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In the 64th minute, United went for a triple change – Titus Ssematimba, Brian Omondi, and Charles Waibi, coming in for Lesley Owino, Roy Okal, and Kevin Otiende but the changes did less in changing the fortunes of the visitors.
The loss saw United remain winless in their group games with Azam now on six points heading into the last two games in the group. United will now face Wydad on Sunday, February 8, before winding up their group campaign with a trip to DR Congo to face Maniema on Sunday, February 15.
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