Kenya Police and Zamalek are set to lock horns in a crunch 24/25 CAF Confederation Cup Second Preliminary Round match on Friday night at the Cairo International Stadium.
The Kenyan side will be seeking to overturn a 1-0 defeat they suffered in the first leg that was staged in Nairobi a week ago as they seek to proceed to the group stage for the first time in their history.
Police will have a massive psychological advantage going into the clash since the hosts are expected to play the match in absence of their home supporters.
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Zamalek were slapped with a four-match ban by CAF back in May after their fans invaded the pitch during a clash against Moroccan side RS Berkane and the defending champions have already played two continental matches without fans ahead of Friday’s tie.
Speaking ahead of the showdown, Police goalkeeper Patrick Matasi stated that playing in an empty stadium gives them a good chance of progressing.
“We played against Ethiopia Coffee, who were supported by their fans but we managed to beat them. Now that we are expected to play with Zamalek, who will miss the support of their home fans, it is eleven against eleven,” he commented.
Kenya Police prepare for Zamalek battle
On his part, head coach Anthony Kimani is optimistic of his charges overcoming their opponents. However, he insists the players will have to improve their game if they can return from Egypt with a victory.
“We know we did not get the results that we expected to get back at home. We are very certain that we had a lot of positives to pick in that particular match. If we can carry on and add just a little energy or more creativity in the opponents half, we are very sure we are going to get that much needed goal,” explained Kimani.
The fixture which will be played under the floodlights due to the high temperatures currently being experienced in North Africa, is scheduled to kick off at exactly 8 pm Kenyan time.
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