Kenya Police dumped out of CAF Confederation Cup

By Peter Ochieng

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side, Kenya Police FC’s journey in the CAF Confederation Cup has come to an end.

Police FC won the FKF Cup last season, to earn a maiden appearance in the confederation Cup tournament, but the team could not go far having been drawn against Egyptian giants, Zamalek in the second round.

Zamalek cruised past Police FC, claiming a 2-1 victory in Cairo on Friday night and a comfortable 3-1 aggregate win.

The Egyptian side, who entered the second leg with a slim 1-0 advantage earned during the first leg in Nairobi, a week ago.

Kenya Police, despite some promising moments, were often wasteful in possession and failed to capitalise on key scoring opportunities both at home and away.

Meanwhile, CAF Champions League defending champions Al Ahly enter their home tie against Kenya’s Gor Mahia today with a comfortable 3-0 aggregate lead.

The Cairo International Stadium will host the clash, where Al Ahly is expected to confirm their passage to the group stage.

Despite the formidable challenge, Gor Mahia coach Leonardo Neiva believes his team still has something to offer.

“We have to be realistic because our chances are slim in this confrontation. But we must try to win the game and adapt to this level of football. It’s crucial to maintain good ball possession,” he said.

Neiva has described the matchup as an ‘unfair pairing’ due to the disparity between the two sides, but Al Ahly remains focused on their quest for a record-extending 13th CAF Champions League title.

Marcel Koller’s men, buoyed by their first-leg performance, will look to dominate from the onset and ensure they advance without any hiccups.

Speaking before the first leg encounter in Nairobi days ago, Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier, wondered why Gor Mahia is always paired with teams from Northern Africa – Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya and Algeria in CAF tournaments.