Kenya Police FC Out of CECAFA Kagame Cup Despite 2-0 Win Over Ethiopian Coffee

Kenya Police FC fought till the final whistle but ended up missing out on the CECAFA Kagame Cup semi-finals despite a dramatic 2-0 win over Ethiopian Coffee. The team finished second in Group A with 6 points but narrowly missed progressing as the best second-placed team spot went to Tanzania’s KMC FC who topped Group B with 7 points.

Key Takeaways:

• Kenya Police FC won their final group match 2-0 against Ethiopian Coffee.
• Police finished second in Group A with 6 points, behind Singida Black Stars.
• Only group winners and the best second-placed team advance; KMC FC secured the latter spot with 7 points.
• Police’s exit highlights the tight competition and high stakes in the Kagame Cup.
• The team showed resilience but fell short against stronger group performances.

Strong Finish Not Enough to Advance

Kenya Police entered their last group fixture knowing victory was essential to keep their semi-final hopes alive. The match at Gen. Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam on September 7 saw both teams battle fiercely before Police struck late through Alvin Mang’eni and David Okoth in the 85th and 89th minutes respectively. Despite the win, Police could not overtake Singida Black Stars who topped Group A and missed out on the best runners-up position, handed to Group B’s KMC FC.

Competitive Group Stage and Tight Margins

Kenya Police’s group stage showed a mixture of dominant performances and tough battles. They began the tournament with a 4-0 win over Djibouti’s Garde Cotes, followed by a frustrating 2-1 loss to Singida Black Stars. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Coffee had drawn and defeated other sides, making the group stage a closely contested affair.

With the format allowing only group winners and the best second-placed team into the knockout round, Police had very little room for error. KMC FC’s consistent form across their matches created the fine margin that saw them edge Kenya Police into the last four.

Lessons and Future Prospects for Kenya Police

While the early exit will be disappointing for Kenya Police and their fans, the experience gained on the regional stage is invaluable. The team displayed skill and determination, particularly in their winning efforts against Ethiopian Coffee and Garde Cotes.

Moving forward, Police will aim to build on these performances back home in the FKF Premier League and future continental tournaments. The Kagame Cup continues to grow in competitiveness, and Kenyan clubs will need to raise their game to bring the trophy back.

Stay with Futaa Fisaa for continued coverage of the CECAFA Kagame Cup and all the latest from Kenyan football.