Zamalek SC host Kenya Police FC in crucial CAF Confederation Cup Clash

Kenya Police FC is set to face Egyptian football giants Zamalek SC in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Round of 32 on Friday. The high-stakes match will take place at Cairo International Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. (EAT).

This crucial game will be played behind closed doors as Zamalek SC serves a four-match ban issued by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following incidents of crowd trouble. The absence of the home fans is expected to reduce some of the pressure on the visiting Kenyan team.

Kenya Police FC is aiming to overturn a narrow 1-0 loss from the first leg played in Nairobi last weekend. A win in Cairo would secure the club’s first-ever qualification to the group stage of the continental competition, marking a major milestone for the relatively new football team.

Club chairman Gideon Munga Nyale expressed confidence ahead of the match, stating that his team can pull off a shock win against the Egyptian powerhouse.

"They were lucky to win in Nairobi, but I believe Friday will be a different story. We will fight hard for victory," Nyale said.

Zamalek’s first-leg victory came courtesy of a well-placed goal by Abdallah El-Saied, following a skillful assist from Ahmed Mustafa Zizo. The Egyptian team will now look to capitalize on their home advantage to secure progression to the next stage.

Despite the challenge, Nyale remains optimistic: "When we beat them on Friday, we will go on to be Confederation Cup champions. No team will stand in our way."

While Zamalek is known for its dominance on home soil, Kenya Police FC can take heart from their spirited performance in the first leg. The squad boasts several experienced players, including full-back Abud Omar, midfielder Kenneth Muguna, and goalkeeper Francis Kahata.

Skipper Musa Mohammed and Francis Kahata, both of whom have played for Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, bring valuable experience and leadership to the squad.

Assistant coach Anthony Kimani will lead the team in this match, stepping in for head coach Salim Babu, who lacks the required CAF coaching badges to oversee the game.

The Kenyan side will need to be at their best if they hope to upset the Egyptian side and make history with a first-ever qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.