Kenyan defender Alphonce Omija is relishing the opportunity to face Nairobi United once again this time on the continental stage as his Tunisian club, Etoile Sportive du Sahel, prepares to battle the FKF Cup winners in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round.
The clash comes with a personal edge for Omija, who still feels the sting of Nairobi United’s victory over Gor Mahia in the FKF Cup final back in June a result that denied K’Ogalo a domestic double and handed Naibois their ticket to continental football. Having since sealed a move abroad, Omija now has the perfect chance to settle that score on a bigger stage.
The former Gor Mahia centre-back could make his competitive debut for Etoile du Sahel when the two sides meet in Nairobi on October 17. The 23-year-old missed the first round of the competition after joining the Tunisian side after the registration deadline but is now cleared to feature.
“I am excited to finally be in contention for my debut,” said Omija. “It’s even more special because it will be against a Kenyan team. The last time I faced them, things didn’t go my way, but hopefully, this time I’ll be on the winning side.”
Omija added that he expects a competitive tie but believes his team has the quality and experience to progress to the group stage. “Nairobi United are a good side and will give us a challenge, but our goal is clear we want to reach the group stages and go even further in the competition.”
Etoile du Sahel, one of North Africa’s most decorated clubs, earned their spot in the second round after defeating Sudan’s Al-Ahli Wad Medani 3-1 on aggregate. The nine-time Tunisian champions have an illustrious continental history, having lifted the CAF Confederation Cup in 2006 and 2015.
For Nairobi United, this will be their toughest test yet as they step into unfamiliar territory in their maiden CAF competition. They edged out Ugandan side NEC FC on away goals after a thrilling 3-3 aggregate draw and will hope to capitalize on home advantage in the first leg before heading to Tunisia for the return match.
The tie promises an intriguing mix of revenge, pride, and ambition with Alphonce Omija determined to turn personal disappointment into continental success.
