Police kiss CAF Champions League goodbye after bowing to Al Hilal again
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 24.10.25. | 21:43
The Sudanese giants booked a place in the group stages of the tournament as Police took to the exit door
Kenya Police FC’s debut campaign in the CAF Champions League came to an end after succumbing to a 4–1 defeat, on aggregate, at the hands of Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman in the second leg of the second preliminary round tie.
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A brace from Nigerian forward Sunday Adetunji and a late strike from Salim Adams sealed the fate of the Kenyan champions, cancelling out Erick Zakayo’s second-half equalizer.
The result brought to a close Police’s spirited maiden appearance in Africa’s premier club competition, ending their pursuit of a coveted group stage berth that has long eluded Kenyan clubs.
Armed with a slender 1–0 advantage from the first leg in Nairobi, Al Hilal entered the return fixture with confidence, while Police needing at least two goals to keep their continental dream alive.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with both sides showing attacking intent from the onset.
The hosts were the first to threaten when Adam Coulibaly, scorer of the only goal in the Nairobi tie, narrowly missed the target after connecting to Walieldin Pogba’s teasing cross.
Police quickly responded through Tansele Mosengo, whose 25-yard free-kick whistled just wide of the post in the 11th minute.
Al Hilal, however, continued to dictate proceedings, forcing the Kenyan defence ,marshalled by captain David Ochieng , into several desperate clearances.
Coulibaly and Salah Adil came close in quick succession before Adetunji thought he had broken the deadlock in the 33rd minute, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
Seven minutes before halftime, Al Hilal finally broke through.
Captain Abdel Raouf delivered a precise free-kick that Adetunji expertly flicked past goalkeeper Khadim Ndiaye, sending the home crowd into jubilation and giving the Sudanese side a deserved 1–0 lead at the break.
Police emerged from the tunnel with renewed purpose, and their persistence paid off ten minutes into the second half.
Substitute Zakayo restored parity with a composed finish after being set up by Gideon Muyadi, giving the visitors a lifeline.
However, the joy was short-lived.
Nine minutes later, Al Hilal reclaimed the lead when Adetunji struck again ,this time tapping home Jean Claude Girmugisha’s well-weighted cross to complete his brace and restore the hosts’ cushion.
Police pressed hard for another equalizer, with Edward Omondi and David Okoth both coming close, but poor finishing and resolute defending from the Sudanese backline denied them a way back into the contest.
With the clock ticking down, Al Hilal put the result beyond doubt in the closing minutes when substitute Adams capitalized on a defensive lapse to make it 3–1 but 4-1 on aggregate, extinguishing any remaining hopes for Police.
Following their progression to the group stage, Al Hilal will now shift focus to domestic competition , but not in their homeland.
Due to ongoing unrest in Sudan, the club, alongside Al Merrikh SC and El Ahli SC Wad Medani, have been granted special approval to participate in the 2025/26 Rwanda Premier League.
In an official statement, the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) confirmed the development, highlighting it as a step towards regional integration and cooperation in African football:
"The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) is pleased to inform the public, stakeholders and the wider football community that three of Sudan’s most prominent clubs have officially been granted approval to participate in the 2025/26 Rwanda Premier League championship,” the statement read.
“This decision reflects FERWAFA’s continued commitment to promoting regional integration, competitiveness, and the global growth of football through stronger international collaboration.”
The confirmation from CAF is expected soon, after which revised league fixtures and participation guidelines will be communicated by the Rwanda Premier League management.
