Nairobi United's maiden CAF Confederation Cup journey ended in disappointment as they left the competition without a single point, while Maniema Union and Wydad Athletic Club booked their places in the quarter-finals after decisive final-day victories in Group B.
Group B Decider Produces Two Quarter Finalists
The final round of fixtures in Group B delivered drama and clarity. Maniema Union and Wydad finished level on 12 points, but both did enough on the day to advance. Azam FC of Tanzania pushed until the end but fell short, and Nairobi United were unable to find the spark needed to stay alive in the tournament.
Maniema Union Crush Nairobi United to Top the Group
Maniema Union 3–0 Nairobi United
At home, Maniema Union put on a clinical display to claim the group’s top spot. The Congolese side struck early when Beny Namboka converted a chance just five minutes in, setting the tone for a one-sided affair. Namboka doubled his tally in the 29th minute with a composed finish that underlined Maniema’s control. Just before the break, Jaency Mboma added a third in the 44th minute to extinguish any hopes of a Nairobi comeback.
The result was Maniema’s fourth win from six group matches and a statement of intent as they head into the knockout rounds. For Nairobi United, the trip home is a sobering one: bottom of the table and yet to claim a point.
Wydad Hold Firm to Edge Azam and Advance
Wydad 2–0 Azam
In the other decisive fixture, Wydad secured the second qualifying berth with a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Azam. The deadlock was broken in the 64th minute when an unfortunate own goal by Azam defender Pascal Msindo handed Wydad the lead. Azam pressed for an equaliser, but Wydad’s defence stood firm, and the Moroccan side put the tie beyond doubt deep into stoppage time when Walid Nassi struck in the 94th minute.
Wydad finish level on points with Maniema but take the runners-up slot on head-to-head, while Azam conclude their campaign with nine points, having been in contention until the final whistle.
Looking Ahead to the Knockout Stage
With the group stage wrapped up, Maniema Union and Wydad Athletic Club join the other qualifiers for the quarter-final draw. Both teams will aim to carry the momentum of their group performances into the high-stakes knockout rounds as they chase continental glory. Nairobi United, meanwhile, return to domestic duties with lessons learned and plenty to rebuild.
