• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 3 months ago

Nairobi United lose again as Fei Toto strikes for Azam in Confederation Cup tie

Nairobi United’s difficult CAF Confederation Cup campaign continued on Sunday night after a 1-0 defeat to Tanzania’s Azam FC at the Amaan Stadium, a result that officially ended the Kenyan side’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals.

The Naibois went into the Group B clash knowing that only a win would keep their slim qualification chances alive. Instead, a first-half strike from Azam star Feisal “Fei Toto” Salum proved decisive, condemning Nairobi United to their fourth straight defeat in the group stages.

The loss also meant Nairobi United failed to avenge last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to the same opponents at Nyayo National Stadium, leaving them rooted at the bottom of the table without a single point.

Azam, who also needed a win to stay in the race for the last eight, started the match with high intensity. They nearly took the lead as early as the sixth minute when Fei Toto rattled the crossbar, with Jephte Kitambala failing to make the most of the rebound.

Nairobi United had an early scare in the third minute when Kitambala went down in the box appealing for a penalty, but the referee waved play on. The warning signs, however, were clear.

The breakthrough came in the 12th minute after a quick Azam counter-attack. Yahya Zaid released Fei Toto, who showed great composure to beat defender Lennox Ogutu before calmly slotting past goalkeeper Kevin Oduor to make it 1-0.

Nairobi United tried to respond, with Dancun Omalla leading the line. In the 25th minute, Omalla got on the end of a cross but his header lacked power and was easily gathered by the Azam goalkeeper. Another dangerous cross by Omalla in the 39th minute was well dealt with by the Azam defence.

After the break, Azam continued to look the more threatening side. Fei Toto, who is valued at approximately Kshs 45 million, nearly doubled his tally in the 53rd minute, but Oduor pulled off a fine save to keep Nairobi United in the game.

The Naibois introduced Enock Machaka early in the second half in search of fresh energy, but clear chances remained hard to come by. Azam pressed for a second goal, forcing Oduor into several important saves as the Tanzanian side looked to kill off the match.

Despite Nairobi United’s late efforts, Azam defended solidly to secure all three points and keep their knockout stage hopes alive.

Azam will next host Congolese side Maniema Union on Sunday, 8 February, in a crucial Group B encounter. Nairobi United, meanwhile, will welcome group leaders Wydad AC in their final group match, playing only for pride after a tough debut campaign at this stage of the competition.