Alphonce Omija played a key role in helping his new side ES Sahel down Al Ahly Madani in the CAF Confederation Cup First Preliminary round to set up date with Nairobi United, who beat NEC to proceed.

Kenyan defender Alphonce Omija featured prominently for Étoile Sportive du Sahel (ES Sahel) as they dismantled Al Ahli Wad Madani 3-0 in Sousse on Thursday night to advance in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Omija, who joined the club on deadline day from Gor Mahia following his outstanding African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024)  exploits, will now be traveling back to Nairobi, but this time in Sahel colours in efforts to help his side try and make the group stages of the competition.

 With that win, Sahel will face Nairobi United in the second preliminary round next.

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ES Sahel carried the tie into the return leg holding an aggregate lead and turned on the heat in front of their home fans.

Early in the match, Mohamed Anane struck in the 4th minute to give Sahel the advantage. The game plan was clear: assert dominance, nullify Madani’s counterattack threats, and close out decisively.

Omija, deployed in central defense, was a key part of that stability. He dealt with aerial threats, read counters well, and helped coordinate the backline against a side that had drawn attention for its resilience earlier in the competition.

Midway through the second half, Yan Armand of Al Ahli was shown red, reducing the visitors to ten men and tipping the momentum fully toward the hosts. With numerical superiority, Sahel pressed and made it count — adding two late goals in the 85th and 90+13 minute marks to seal the 3-1 aggregate victory. 

Nairobi United confirmed their place in the next round after surviving a 1-1 draw with NEC (Uganda) at Nyayo Stadium, advancing on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate tie. 

This now means the newly-promoted FKF Premier League outfit will be facing ES Sahel in the second preliminary round.

For Omija and his Sahel teammates, the tie against Kenya’s rising side will be a stern test. Nairobi United have shown composure in tight matches — and now the spotlight will be on whether Sahel can bring their continental pedigree to bear.