AlphonceOmija, a key player for the Harambee Stars, is set to return to Nairobi next month when his team, Etoile du Sahel, faces newly-promoted Nairobi United in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. The draw for this stage of the competition, held on Sunday night, placed the Tunisian side in direct opposition to the Kenyan club, which is making its first appearance in continental football.
This match will be a highly anticipated one for Omija, who recently made the switch from Gor Mahia to Etoile du Sahel. His return to Nairobi will come just weeks after his departure from the Kenyan giants, and it presents a unique opportunity for him to play on home soil. Etoile du Sahel is one of Africa’s most successful football clubs, boasting multiple titles, including two CAF Confederation Cups (2006 and 2015) and the 2007 CAF Champions League.
Nairobi United, who earned their continental berth after winning the FKF Cup, will have their work cut out for them in this upcoming tie. Their first-ever appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup has already seen them progress through the first round, eliminating Ugandan side NEC FC on away goals after a 3-3 draw on aggregate. Despite this impressive feat, facing a club of Etoile du Sahel’s caliber will present a stern challenge for the Kenyan team.
The first leg of this two-legged encounter will take place in Nairobi on October 17, with the return match in Tunisia on October 24. The winner of this tie will advance to the group stage of the competition, where a prize of $400,000 (approximately Ksh 51 million) awaits.
For Omija, this game holds personal significance as he was part of the Gor Mahia squad that lost to Nairobi United in the FKF Cup final. Nairobi United’s victory secured them a place in continental football and serves as a reminder of the potential upset the Kenyan team could deliver.
As the teams prepare for this highly anticipated match, Omija’s return to Nairobi will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the CAF Confederation Cup’s second preliminary round.
