Nairobi United FC will take on Tunisia's Etoile Sportive Du Sahel in the CAF Confederation Cup second round following their success over Ugandan side NEC FC in the first round of the competition.
The Naibois, as they are nicknamed, prevailed past NEC FC 3-3 on aggregate after a 1-1 stalemate at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday earning them a win on away goals. They will now face a tough test in their second round tie, with the Tunisian giants not new to this stage of the competition.
Sahel beat Sudan's Al Ahli Wad Madani 3-1 on aggregate in their first round tie. Wad Medani scored a vital 1-0 win at home in the first leg, but upon the return in Sousse last evening, Sahel run out 3-0 winners to book their spot in the next round.
The winner of the two legged clash will qualify for the group stage proper, and a much needed cash boost in the money spinning stages.
A twist in the tale is that Kenyan defender Alphonse Omija recently joined the Tunisian club from Gor Mahia after impressing for national team Harambee Stars at the recently ended African Nations Championships CHAN. He will however not face Nairobi United as he joined Sahel after the deadline for submitting CAF squad lists for the preliminary rounds.
The Naibois will host the first leg of the tie on Saturday, 18 October, before making the trip to North Africa on Saturday, 25 October.
Étoile Sportive du Sahel or (ESS) is one of Africa's most successful clubs, with a strong record in Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions. They are the only African club to have won all official CAF club competitions.
They won the CAF Champions League back in 2007, and also celebrated Confederation Cup success back in 2006 and 2015.
Nairobi United meanwhile, are making their first ever appearance at this stage. A tough clash lies in wait for them in the next round.