The promoted Kenyan side, who are making their first appearance in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) competition, will host Maniema in a Group B contest at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.
While United lost against Wydad, Maniema started their campaign with a vital 2-0 win against Azam FC of Tanzania at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Nairobi United's focus is to get three points
Speaking ahead of the game, United captain John Otieno admitted Maniema will not be an easy prey but remained confident they have what it takes to register their first victory in the group.
“We are back home, on our own turf, we started badly in Morocco but we know we will redeem ourselves on Sunday,” Otieno told Flashscore. “It is a tough challenge, but the boys are ready, and we are ready to represent the nation.
“It is a good feeling to represent Kenya, it has been seven years since a Kenyan team played international level, and we have missed that. We know Kenyans are preparing to come and watch continental football after seven years, and we are focused on representing the nation very well.
“What I know is we will give Kenyans victory, they will enjoy it. Since we started continental from the preliminary round, we have not lost at home, so we have the belief that playing at home we are a very hard team to beat, so I am sure we will get goals, and maximum points.”
He continued: “Our focus is to get three points, and that is what we are going for. We have made some changes, maybe tactically. The way we approached the away game is not the way we will approach Maniema.
“We want to do it differently, away we were cautious not to concede many goals, but here at home we will definitely be in the attacking mood, we want the goals and win.”
Asked to elaborate whether United was facing injury concerns, Otieno said: “We had players, who were out injured before we travelled for Morocco, they have all recovered and will be available. The arrival of those who were out is a good boost for us, and we want to promise three points from the game.”
He concluded: “We have studied Maniema, they look a tough opponent, we will not underrate them, and we will have to be very cautious.”
The Nairobi-based club earned the right to represent Kenya in continental football after winning the 2025 FKF Cup, a victory that capped a sensational domestic campaign in which they achieved promotion to the FKF Premier League.
In their first preliminary round, the team faced Uganda Premier League side NEC FC. The first leg in Uganda at the Hamz Stadium ended 2-2, before a 1-1 draw at Nyayo Stadium saw them advance on the away goals rule.
Against Etoile, United registered a shock 2-0 win in Nairobi. They headed for the return leg carrying a 2-0 advantage. During the contest, Etoile managed to level the scoreline at 2-2 in the normal time.
However, United held firm to win the shootout 7-6, and book their ticket to the group stage.
