Kenya Police FC Unshaken by Stadium Dilemma as They Target Historic CAF Champions League Group Stage Spot

Kenya Police FC remain confident and focused on making history in the CAF Champions League despite uncertainty over the venue for their crucial clash against Al Hilal.

Kenya Police FC are confident of silencing Sudan’s Al Hilal in the second preliminary round of their CAF Champions League campaign scheduled for Friday, October 17.

Despite the uncertainty of a venue, since the Nyayo National Stadium is scheduled to host the State Funeral Service for the late former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Amollo Odinga, Kenya Police FC captain David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng remains unfazed.

David Ochieng explained that preparations have been going on well, thanks to the Kenya Premier League matches that have kept the players busy and helped them gauge their form ahead of the crucial match.

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David Ochieng: Kenya Police FC Are Very Ready for Al Hilal Clash

Speaking during one of their training sessions, David Ochieng acknowledged that Al Hilal are a strong side but expressed confidence that his team was fully prepared for the challenge ahead.

He noted that the upcoming clash is a do-or-die encounter, as both teams are equally determined to advance to the group stage.

The defender added that the match carries great significance for Kenya Police FC, explaining that a victory would mark a historic milestone as it would be the club’s first-ever appearance in the group stage of a continental competition.

He further emphasised that they boys are eager to compete among the elite, insisting that Kenya Police FC rightfully belonged at that level.

“For Friday’s match, as you can see, we are very ready because we have had the league matches. It has been a boost for us for the upcoming match against Al Hilal…we know they are a good side,” David Ochieng said.

“We are prepared for it, and we are ready to battle them because it will be a do-or-die match, because they want to get to the group stage, and so are we.

“As a club, it will be a history-making match because if we win, we will be in the group stage, and it will be the first time Kenya Police FC will be playing in the group stage. We need to play with the big boys because Kenya Police belongs there.”

David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng: We Know Al Hilal is Better

David Ochieng added that the team would approach the upcoming match with caution, mindful of the lessons learned from their previous game.

He acknowledged that Al Hilal were a strong and experienced side, having regularly featured in the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

Despite the challenge, he expressed confidence that Kenya Police FC are well-prepared and fully aware of what is at stake. David Ochieng stated that the players are determined to fight hard for victory and represent Kenya with pride in every match.

He added that if they manage to secure a win, the team will dedicate the triumph to the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in recognition of his support.

“With caution, because not forgetting our last match, whatever happened here, and we know Al Hilal is better, they are a good side and have been in the group stages in most of their Champions League matches,” David Ochieng added.

“We believe we are ready to face them, and the boys know what is at stake, and we shall fight hard to make sure we get a win from the match. We have to represent Kenya in all the matches, and if we win, we shall dedicate the victory to the former Prime Minister.”

Kenya Police FC's debut in the CAF Champions League with the first round matches being a two-legged affair against Mogadishu City Club of Somalia.

In the first leg, Kenya Police FC won 3-1 against Mogadishu City Club. The match was played at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with Mogadishu City Club technically being the home team, as Somalia lacks a CAF-approved stadium for international matches.

The goals for Kenya Police were scored by Erick Zakayo, Edward Omondi, and substitute David Simiyu. Kenya Police FC lost 0-2 to Mogadishu City Club in the second leg. The aggregate score was 3-3.

Kenya Police FC then advanced to the Second Preliminary Round on the away goals rule, as they had scored three ‘away’ goals in the first leg.