- The Kenya Police vs Al Hilal first leg of the final preliminary round of the CAF Champions League 2025/26 will be played on Friday, October 17.
- The match will take place at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, kicking off at 3:00 PM EAT.
- The fixture will be played behind closed doors, following a series of logistical challenges related to venue availability.
Reigning SportPesa League champions Kenya Police will begin their quest for a maiden CAF Champions League group stage ticket on Friday, October 17 when they face Sudan’s Al Hilal in the first leg of the 25/26 Second Preliminary Round marking the final round of qualification.
The match is scheduled for the Ulinzi Sports Complex from 3.00 PM EAT and will be held behind closed doors, a decision resulting from a series of logistical issues surrounding the venue.
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Originally, the tie was scheduled for Nyayo National Stadium, but the venue became unavailable as it was booked for the state memorial service of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The match was then moved to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Unfortunately, after thousands of mourners turned up on Thursday to view the Hon. Odinga’s body, the pitch was left in an unsuitable state for high-level competition, prompting a final shift to Ulinzi.
With access severely limited, only essential personnel will be permitted entry.
This includes players and officials from both clubs, 20 ball boys, 10 executive members from each team, Football Kenya Federation officials, Sudanese embassy representatives, club photographers, media personnel, and the official broadcasting crew.
The Law Enforcers secured their place in this second preliminary round after a two-legged encounter with Mogadishu City Club late last month, with both matches staged at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.
Police survived a major scare in the second leg at home, where the away goals rule proved their salvation.
After securing a 1-3 away victory, they suffered a 2-0 defeat in the return fixture, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3. However, their superior away goal tally saw them advance.
In their debut appearance at this stage, the Etienne Ndayaragije-coached side will be aiming to start strongly on home ground and establish an early advantage as they pursue a historic knockout spot.
However, they are not facing a pushover side. Al Hilal are an experienced outfit with a total of 39 appearances in the CAF Champions League, even reaching the final twice, finishing as runners-up in 1987 and 1992.
The Sudanese Premier League’s record champions will be looking to improve on their quarter-final finish from last season, where they were eliminated by Egypt’s Al Ahly with a 2-0 aggregate score.
They will also be seeking to continue their consistent presence in the knockout stage, which they have not missed since 2020. Al Hilal earned their ticket to this round by beating Jamus FC 1-0 on aggregate.
After a goalless first leg, they secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the second, and they will be aiming to maintain their dominance on the continental stage.
Kenya Police confident they will write their story
Speaking ahead of Friday’s clash, the Burundian tactician stated that the team used the international break to prepare adequately and believes they are ready to counter their opponents both mentally and physically.
The training sessions have been good. We used the international break to prepare well in the areas we needed to improve, and I’m happy to say we are in a position to get a positive result because we are ready for the match mentally and physically.”
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He added that while pressure exists, it is a positive force they will use to make more history after clinching their maiden top-flight title.
The pressure is there, but it’s always important to take it positively because that is what will push us to make and rewrite another chapter in this tournament.”
Kenya Police vs Al Hilal CAF Champions League betting guide
These two teams have never met in any previous competition, making this a first-time encounter where each will be eager to establish superiority.
In their recent five matches across all competitions this season, Kenya Police have lost just once, securing three wins and one draw. In the SportPesa League, they have played only two matches, resulting in one draw and one win.
Al Hilal have also lost just once in their last five outings, winning three and drawing one.
Therefore, this is expected to be a fiercely contested and highly competitive match from both sides.