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Kenya Police beat Mogadishu City FC 3-1 in their first preliminary round first leg encounter at the Nyayo National Stadium last Saturday to move three steps closer to the group stages.
Kenya Police head coach Ettiene Ndayiragije believes the Law Enforcers have everything it takes to be the first ever side in Kenya’s modern football history to make the group stages of the CAF Champions League.
Police overcame Mogadishu City FC 3-1 in their first leg away encounter- incidentally held at the Nyayo National Stadium - to put them in the driving seat to complete the job, which would set them up against Sudan’s Al Hilal FC in the second preliminary round.
The winner of that fixture will seal themselves a place in the group stages, something no Kenyan team has ever managed to achieve, with Gor Mahia the only team that have ever managed to reach the group stage and knockouts of a continental club competition in the 21st century, and even so, it was in the Confederation Cup.
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‘We Stepped Up When It Mattered’
Speaking to Pulse Sports following their win, Ndayiragije, who also led Tanzania to their first ever African Nations Championships (CHAN) tournament in 2020 and also guided Police to their maiden Kenyan topflight crown, expressed satisfaction at his side’s display.
“I want to congratulate my players because they stepped up with a few chances they created, but I must pay homage to the other side because they were tactical. Composed, sat back and hit on the break, which worked in their favor, but we were still able to win,” Ndayiragije said.
Despite their win, the goal they conceded was out of their own undoing as a mispass during build up from the back was intercepted before Mogadishu equalised, a trend that was constant during the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
Explaining where the problem lies, Ndayiragije blamed it on the significant changes to the squad during the offseason, which means players will take time to adapt to each other.
“I started preseason with a lot of new players. Seven of those who started were new, and the rest were part of the national team. I have only started to work with the full squad last week, which is why there is a lack of cohesion, but the progression is promising.”
‘I Envisioned Group Stage Football’
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Ndayiragije believes Kenya Police will become the first ever Kenyan side to make Champions League history, something he claims he had already foreseen long before the draw was even conducted.
“I had envisioned it even before the draw was made. When we won the league, I was already imagining us in the group stages, and I believe it is possible.
“It all depends on preparations. That is why I am confident we can make the group stages and even beyond because we have had top class preparations. That is why I was also able to take Tanzania to CHAN 2020.”
For Police, the next 180 minutes of football could define their season — and potentially change the face of Kenyan club football on the continent.