Kenya Police Secure Dominant 3-1 Victory Over Mogadishu City in CAF Champions League Opener

Reigning FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC launched their 2025-2026 CAF Champions League campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Somali champions Mogadishu City Club in the first leg of their preliminary round tie.

The match, held at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, saw the Kenyan side take a significant two-goal aggregate advantage, putting them in a strong position to advance to the next round.

The “Law Enforcers” controlled the game from the start, capitalizing on their home-ground advantage—an advantage that will extend to the second leg, as Somalia lacks a CAF-approved stadium, forcing Mogadishu City to play their “home” fixture in Nairobi as well.

Match Highlights: A Tale of Goals and Resilience

Kenya Police signaled their intent early, dominating proceedings from the first whistle.

Their pressure paid off in the 15th minute when Erick Zakayo found the back of the net with a well-placed shot from just inside the box, following a skillful setup by Alvin Otieno.

The goal gave the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead, which they carried into halftime.

However, the Kenyan champions faced a setback when new offseason signing Gideon Muyavi was forced off with an injury in the 25th minute, prompting coach Etienne Ndayiragije to bring on Alvin Mang’eni as his replacement.

Despite the disruption, Kenya Police continued to press, though they survived a penalty scare in the 35th minute when the referee waved away a handball appeal from Mogadishu City.

The second half began with a tactical switch from Coach Ndayiragije, who substituted Brian Musa for Tobias Omondi to assert more control in the midfield.

Shortly after the restart, Mogadishu City stunned the home crowd.

Capitalizing on a misplaced pass from Tobias Otieno during a build-up play, Adan Yusuf pounced on the error to score the equalizer in the 50th minute.

Another source attributes the goal to Issa Marsis, but it leveled the score and momentarily silenced Nyayo Stadium.

Sensing danger, Kenya Police responded swiftly and decisively.

Just seven minutes later, in the 57th minute, Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi restored their lead.

Substitute Alvin Mang’eni delivered a brilliant cross that caused confusion in the Mogadishu defense, allowing Omondi to rise highest and head the ball home, making it 2-1.

The third and final goal for Kenya Police came in the 66th or 70th minute through David Simiyu.

The play was initiated by the influential Mang’eni, whose shot was parried by the goalkeeper into the path of David Okoth.

Okoth then passed it back to Simiyu, who controlled the ball, turned smartly, and fired past the keeper to seal the 3-1 victory.

One Foot in the Next Round

Following their third goal, Kenya Police managed the remainder of the game with professionalism, effectively shutting down any attempts by Mogadishu City to get back into the contest.

The performance, while not flawless, highlighted the team’s growing maturity, resilience, and attacking firepower under coach Ndayiragije.

With a healthy two-goal cushion and the second leg also scheduled to be played at Nyayo Stadium next Sunday, the Law Enforcers are well-placed to progress.

Should they advance, a glamorous and challenging second-round showdown awaits against Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman.

One source also noted their next opponent could be either Al Hilal or Jamus from Juba.

For now, Kenya Police’s dream of reaching the historic CAF Champions League group stage remains firmly alive and in their own hands.