Kenya Police off to a flyer in CAF Champions League debut against Mogadishu City
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 20.09.25. | 18:21
The two sides will meet again at Nyayo Stadium next week for the second leg, with Kenya Police needing only a draw to advance to the second preliminary round
Defending FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC made a dream start to their maiden CAF Champions League campaign after brushing aside Somalia’s Mogadishu City 3-1 in a pulsating preliminary round first-leg clash staged at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, 20 September.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Goals from Erick Zakayo, Edward Omondi, and substitute David Simiyu ensured the Law Enforcers took a commanding advantage heading into next week’s decisive return fixture.
Mogadishu’s consolation came courtesy of Isaa Adim Marsis, who briefly threatened to spoil the visitors’ party early in the second half.
The encounter, played in front of a charged fairly packed crowd, began at a blistering pace with Kenya Police eager to stamp their authority on continental football.
Playing "home away from home", Police stamped authority barely five minutes into the game. Winger Edward Omondi, combining neatly with the lively Zakayo, forced goalkeeper Yusuf Lambaza into an early save.
Soon after, midfielder Tobias Otieno tried his luck from range but watched his effort sail just over the bar.
Persistent pressure finally paid off in the 17th minute when Zakayo, formerly of Tusker, latched onto a precise pass from Albert Otieno and calmly slotted past Lambaza to give the champions a deserved lead.
Police nearly doubled their tally moments later, with Omondi’s header flashing inches wide after an inch-perfect delivery from Mosengo Tansele.
Mogadishu, however, were not without response. Ibrahim Ilyaas combined dangerously with Laba Benteke, only to be denied by goalkeeper Khadime Ndiaye.
Striker Mark Kwasira also tested the Police backline shortly before halftime, but his partnership with Marsis was thwarted by veteran defender Joash Onyango. The teams went into the break with Police narrowly ahead.
The Somalis came out rejuvenated after the restart and equalised just four minutes in through Marsis, who unleashed a well-taken shot past Ndiaye to silence the home faithful.
Yet, Police were quick to restore their two-goal cushion. In the 57th minute, Omondi found space inside the box and calmly restored the visitors’ advantage with a composed finish.
Coach Etienne Ndayiragije then introduced fresh legs, bringing on David Okoth, Marvin Nabwire, and Simiyu in a triple substitution that immediately paid dividends.
Within minutes, Simiyu announced his arrival with a clinical strike to seal a 3-1 victory, effectively putting daylight between the two sides.
Despite Mogadishu’s late push for a second goal, Police’s defensive organisation held firm, ensuring the champions walked away with a vital win that puts them firmly in control of the tie.
The two sides will meet again at Nyayo Stadium next week for the second leg, with Kenya Police needing only a draw to advance to the second preliminary round.
Should they progress, the Law Enforcers will face the winner between South Sudan’s Jamus FC and Sudanese giants Al Hilal for a coveted place in the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition.
