Kenya Police beat Mogadishu City 3-1 to take lead in CAF Champions League
With a second leg on home turf still to come, the Kenya Police look well placed to progress to the next round and set up a mouthwatering clash against Al Hilal.
Kenya Police made a strong statement in their CAF Champions League debut on Saturday, easing past Mogadishu City Club 3-1 in the first leg of their preliminary tie at Nyayo Stadium.
The FKF Premier League champions now have one foot in the second round, where a glamour date with Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman awaits, with the “return leg” also set to be staged in Nairobi due to Somalia’s lack of CAF-approved venues.
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Erick Zakayo scored the first goal in the 15th minute, after good build-up play from Alvin Otieno. Kenya Police continued to dictate the tempo, although an early injury to new signing Gideon Muyavi forced head coach Ettiene Ndayiragije to reshuffle his side, with Alvin Mang’eni being brought in.
Kenya Police FC players celebrate after winning the match against Mogadishu City Club. (Kenya Police FC)
Mogadishu nearly found a way back when Kenya Police survived a handball appeal in the 35th minute, but they eventually pulled level shortly after the restart. A misplaced pass from Tobias Otieno allowed Adan Yusuf to pounce and punish the home side with a composed finish.
Police responded swiftly. In the 55th minute, Mang’eni delivered a teasing cross into the box that unsettled the visitors’ defence, allowing Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi to rise highest and restore the lead.
The third came in the 66th minute through David Simiyu, who showed fine composure after a move involving Mang’eni and David Okoth ended with the striker turning smartly inside the area before firing beyond goalkeeper Yusuf Yusuf.
From then on, the Kenya Police managed to shut out Mogadishu’s advances and preserve their two-goal cushion. The victory may not have been perfect, but it highlighted the growing resilience and attacking firepower in Ndayiragije’s squad.
With a second leg on home turf still to come, the Kenya Police look well placed to progress to the next round and set up a mouthwatering clash against Al Hilal. Their dream of mixing it with Africa’s elite is alive and kicking and firmly within reach.
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