Wissam Ben Yedder’s late strike sends Wydad AC into CAF Confederations Cup Quarter-Finals

Hakim Ziyech attempted to unlock the Nairobi defence in the 25th minute with a defence-splitting through ball aimed at Amrabat, but the former AS Monaco winger could not reach it. Nairobi United again went close when Brian Omondi released Shami Kibwana, who flicked the ball into space for Gideon Omondi, only for the goalkeeper to react quickly and smother the danger.

Just before halftime, Mohammed Bouchauri’s through ball picked out Amrabat, but Steve Biko recovered well with a crucial sliding tackle. Amrabat had the final say of the half, firing a snapshot in added time that was deflected out for a corner by Lennox Ogutu, sending the teams into the break level at 0–0.

Wydad returned for the second half with more urgency, pushing numbers forward as Nairobi United dropped deeper. Ayoub Boucheta tried his luck from range shortly after the restart, but his effort drifted wide. Nairobi head coach Salim Ali reacted by introducing Titus Ssematimba for Shami Kibwana, seeking more control in midfield.

Captain Brian Omondi was booked in the 60th minute for a foul on Amrabat, with Ziyech’s resulting free kick striking the wall. Moments later, Wydad coach Mohammed Amine made a bold triple substitution, bringing on Wissam Ben Yedder, Walid Nassi and Lamirat Abdel to inject fresh attacking impetus.

Nairobi United had chances to take the lead as Ssematimba failed to capitalize twice on defensive errors, while Benson Omala narrowly missed a floated cross with a sliding effort. Despite the missed opportunities, Wydad continued to apply pressure, and the breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute.

Substitute Walid Nassi produced a moment of brilliance, beating his marker Mustapha Kizza before squaring the ball to Ben Yedder, who cleverly flicked it past Kevin Oduor with the outside of his boot to make it 1–0. The situation worsened for Nairobi United when Steve Biko was shown a straight red card for a foul on Nassi moments later.

Wydad held on to seal the win, moving to 12 points and confirming their place in the quarter-finals as Nairobi United remain winless in 5 consecutive matches in CAF Confederations Cup Group Stage with one game to spare which will be played on 15th February in DR Congo against As Maniema Union

Nairobi United vs Wydad AC lineups

Nairobi United XI:: Kevin Oduor (GK), Yusuf Mainge, Steve Biko, Lennox Ogutu, Mustapha Kizza, Lesley Otieno, Brian Mzee (C), Shami Kibwana, Dancan Omala, Benson Omala, Gideon Omondi

Wydad Athletic Club XI: El Mehdi Benabid, Amine Aboulfath, Nouredine Amrabat (C), Hamza Hanouri, Ayoub Boucheta, Hakim Ziyech, Vaca Ponce, Byram Naim, Mohammed Bouchauri, Moussadaq Sallah, Moises Paniagua

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