Kenya Police FC marked their debut in CAF Champions league preliminary 2025/2026 with a 3-1 win over Mogadishu City in their first leg of their preliminary round at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi Saturday.
The FKF Premier League champions have now one foot in the second round after thrashing the Somalia Champions, courtesy of goals from David Simiyu, Edward Omondi and Eric Zakoyo.
A misplaced pass from Tobias Otieno allowed Mogadishu City’s Adan Yusuf to pounce and put a goal at the back of the net with a composed finish.
From then on, the Kenya Police managed to shut out Mogadishu’s advances and preserve their two goal cushion.
Kenya Police FC Coach Etienne Ndayiragije, while addressing the media, said that the aim was to overcome this stage and now with a win, at least they have an advantage going into the second leg.
He praised his team for the good performance, noting that he prepared them well for their competitors, who capitalized on the counterattacks during the game.
“We play as a team . The momentum and the rhythm is good, despite having eight players, who are new in the team,” he said, adding that his plan is to always finish top of the game and that performance needs to be better than the previous game, ahead of the second leg.
Meanwhile, Somalia lacks a CAF approved stadium that can host international matches, thus they opted to play their home matches in Nairobi.
On their part, Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman awaits the Kenya Police FC with the “return leg” also set to be staged in Nairobi, due to Somalia’s lack of CAF-approved venues.
The Kenya Police look well placed to progress to the next round in their clash against Al Hilal.
by Anita Omwenga
