The highly anticipated 25/26 CAF Champions League Final Preliminary Round first-leg encounter pitting Kenya Police vs Al Hilal will now be played behind closed doors at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
The match, scheduled for Friday, October 17, has faced a series of venue changes due to the unforeseen death of Raila Odinga, which left a logistical nightmare in terms of securing a venue.
Initially, the game was slated for Nyayo National Stadium, but following the death of Odinga, the venue was reassigned to host his state burial ceremony.
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With Nyayo unavailable, CAF and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officials then moved the tie to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
However, during the public viewing of Raila Odinga’s body at Kasarani earlier on Thursday 16th October 2025, thousands of mourners thronged the stadium, resulting in damage to sections of the pitch and key facilities, rendering it unfit for international competition.
In light of this, the match organizers, in consultation with CAF, relocated the fixture to Ulinzi Sports Complex, a modern facility within the Kenya Defence Force Headquarters in Lang’ata.
To ensure safety with tension in the country as people mourn Odinga the match will take place without fans in attendance.
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Only essential personnel will be allowed entry including players and officials from both clubs, 20 ball boys, 10 executive members from each team, Football Kenya Federation officials, Sudanese embassy representatives, club photographers alongside the club media personnel and the official broadcasting crew.
“Please note that the CAF Champions League match between Kenya Police FC and Al Hilal will be played Friday at 3:00 p.m. at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. The match will be played behind closed doors, and as such, no fans or media personnel will be allowed entry into the stadium,” FKF communicated.
Kenya Police, under Burundian tactician Etienne, will be aiming to continue their impressive continental run after eliminating Somalia Premier League champions Mogadishu City Club in the previous round.
The Kenyan champions are now eyeing a historic qualification to the CAF Champions League group stage in their maiden campaign.
Their opponents, Al Hilal, are seasoned continental campaigners with multiple group stage appearances and a reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent clubs. The Sudanese side boasts vast experience, having reached the CAF Champions League semifinals in past seasons.
Despite the absence of fans, Kenya Police will be banking on home advantage to pull off a famous result before heading to Tanzania for the decisive return leg next week.
Kickoff: Friday, 17th October 2025 – 3:00 PM (EAT)
Venue: Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi
Match: Kenya Police FC vs Al Hilal (Sudan) – CAF Champions League Preliminary Final Round, First Leg