After the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 draws held in Tanzania, we play host to Kenya’s Nairobi United right here in our backyard for the first leg of the Preliminary Round between September 19 and 21 in our inaugural continental appearance. If we win the two-legged tie, then comes the Second Preliminary Round in October, where we would face either Sudan’s Al Ahly Madani or Tunisia’s Etoile de Sahel next as we push hard to reach the group stage and make Uganda proud.
Our path to the CAF Confederation Cup opened unexpectedly but deservedly. The league champions also clinched the Stanbic Uganda Cup, leaving a single slot for Uganda in the prestigious continental competition. According to FUFA statutes, that opportunity fell to the league’s runners-up—NEC FC. An opportunity we had prepared for throughout the season by collecting as many points as could guarantee a second place having missed out on the initial target; being crowned champions.
More about Nairobi United
Nairobi United, a Kenyan club based in the capital city, earned their historic qualification to the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup by winning the 2024/25 FKF Cup, also known as the Mozzart Bet Cup. As champions of Kenya’s second-tier National Super League, they became the first lower-division side since Sofapaka in 2007 to lift the domestic cup, securing their maiden appearance in continental football through this achievement. This victory came on June 29, 2025, when they stunned Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia 1-0 in the final at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Their path to qualification was a remarkable underdog story, marked by giant-killing upsets against established top-flight teams. In the Round of 32, Nairobi United eliminated Tusker FC, a perennial Kenyan powerhouse, via a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. They followed this with a Round of 16 win over KCB FC, advancing 6-5 on penalties following a goalless stalemate. In the quarterfinals, they dispatched Kakamega Homeboyz FC 2-1. The semifinals saw them edge out fellow second-tier side Mara Sugar 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Culminating in the final triumph over Gor Mahia, this run earned them a continental CAF Confederation appearance for the first time.
Nairobi United’s success has been fueled by a blend of youth talent and strategic scouting, and investment.
We wait until the official communication from CAF to confirm the exact date as we gear up for this monumental appearance on the continental level.