- Kenya Police FC have progressed to the second preliminary round of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.
- They advance on the away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate draw, despite losing 2-0 at home in the second leg.
- Police had secured a 3-1 advantage in the first leg, which proved crucial in their qualification.
- The second leg was held at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, September 28.
Reigning Kenya Premier League champions Kenya Police FC have progressed to the second preliminary round of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, despite a stunning 0-2 home defeat to Mogadishu City Club on Sunday evening at Nyayo National Stadium.
The law enforcers advance on the away goals rule, thanks to their 3-1 first-leg victory last weekend.
Coming into the second leg with a two-goal cushion, Kenya Police were expected to finish the job comfortably.
However, the visitors from Somalia arrived with renewed intent and capitalized on costly defensive lapses to turn the tie on its head. Despite the aggregate score being leveled at 3-3, Police edge through due to their away goals advantage.
Mogadishu City Club started the match with great urgency, dominating early possession and creating multiple chances.
Kenya Police, however, remained composed at the back during the opening phases.
That composure cracked in the 33rd minute when Mogadishu launched a swift counterattack. Issa Adam Abatari broke the deadlock with a composed finish, giving the visitors a vital lead and setting the tone heading into halftime.
After the break, Kenya Police showed more energy and urgency, but disaster struck again just 10 minutes into the second half.
A defensive blunder by Joash Onyango, who tugged Abdikadir Enow’s shirt during a threatening run, led to a penalty. Substitute Ibrahim Bangura stepped up and coolly converted from the spot, doubling Mogadishu’s lead and leveling the aggregate at 3-3.
The hosts attempted to claw their way back into the match, carving out a few half-chances, but their lack of creativity in the final third proved costly.
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Mogadishu, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counter and nearly grabbed a decisive third goal in the 80th minute, only to be denied by a resilient Police defense.
Despite the loss, Kenya Police held firm in the final minutes to protect their aggregate advantage. The 2-0 scoreline in favor of Mogadishu wasn’t enough to eliminate them, and the Kenyan champions now march on to the next round.
They will face either Jamus FC of South Sudan or Sudanese giants Al Hilal, with aspirations of making a historic debut in the CAF Champions’ League group stages.
Kenya Police FC vs Mogadishu City Club line ups
Kenya Police FC: Ndiaye, Sakari, Onyango, Okoth, Joash, Charles, Otieno, Tobias, Simiyu, Zakayo, Mange’ni.
Mogadishu City Club: Lampaza, Mudo, Siad Mohamed, Xabad, Wallij, Bangura, Piscass, Ilyaas, Marsis, Benteke, Moha.