Former Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija has warned Nairobi United to expect a tough test when they face Étoile Sportive du Sahel in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie in Tunisia.
The Harambee Stars defender, who currently plies his trade with the Tunisian giants, cautioned that Nairobi United will encounter a vastly different and intimidating environment in Sousse. His remarks come after the Kenyan side stunned the two-time Confederation Cup winners with a 2-0 victory in the first leg at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
Goals from Ovella Ochieng and John Otieno gave Nairobi United a crucial advantage heading into the decisive return fixture. A draw in Tunisia would be enough for the Kenyan debutants to progress to the group stages of the continental competition. However, Omija believes that getting a positive result away from home will be far from easy.
The 23-year-old defender highlighted the passionate nature of Tunisian football fans and how their presence can influence the match atmosphere. He noted that the Stade Olympique de Sousse, which can hold up to 50,000 fans, is one of the most intimidating venues on the continent. “The stadiums there are always full, and the fans are very passionate. Even during training sessions, supporters often show up to cheer their team,” Omija said, emphasizing that Nairobi United should prepare mentally for a completely different experience from what they are used to in Kenya.
Reflecting on Étoile du Sahel’s defeat in the first leg, Omija admitted that his team was undone by lapses in concentration, particularly in defence. He assured that they are working hard to address those issues before the decisive second leg. “We lost a bit of focus at the back, and that cost us. It’s something we will correct before the next match,” he said.
He also pointed out that his side struggled to create enough chances in attack, a problem they are keen to solve ahead of the home fixture.
Despite the warnings, Nairobi United will travel to Tunisia with renewed confidence after their fearless and disciplined performance in Nairobi. A successful result would not only secure them a place in the group stages but also mark a historic moment for Kenyan football on the continental stage.
