Al Hilal vs Kenya Police: Preview, Odds, Team News, Lineups and Prediction as Etienne Ndayiragije’s Men Target Major Upset

FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC face a historic task at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, Libya, this evening, as they seek to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Sudan’s Al Hilal SC in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, with kickoff set for 7:00 PM EAT. 

The Law Enforcers are on a mission to punch their ticket to the lucrative group stage for the first time in history, a feat that would secure a KSh 90 million windfall. However, they face a seasoned Al Hilal side who hold a crucial away goal and will be backed by a large local contingent in their adopted Libyan home.

After dominating possession but failing to score in the first leg, Police must find a clinical edge away from home. Al Hilal, meanwhile, executed a perfect away performance and now only need to avoid defeat to advance, making this a fascinating tactical battle for punters.

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The tie is delicately poised, with Al Hilal holding all the cards. Their 1-0 win in Nairobi came from a classic smash-and-grab, punishing a single defensive error from Charles Ouma, which allowed Malian forward Adama Coulibaly to score the decisive goal.

The Sudanese giants, unable to host matches at home, will be comfortable playing in Benghazi and will likely deploy a defensive, counter-attacking setup to protect their aggregate lead.

For Kenya Police, the task is monumental but clear: they must win by at least two unanswered goals to advance. A 1-0 victory for the Law Enforcers would force the tie into extra time and potentially penalties. 

Any other scoreline (like a 2-1 win) would see them eliminated on the away goals rule. Coach Etienne Ndiyaragijje remains optimistic, but his side, who were wasteful in the first leg, must be flawless in attack and defence to keep their continental dream alive.

Al Hilal (All Competitions): W W D L W

Kenya Police FC (All Competitions): L W D L W

Punters should note several key statistics heading into this clash. The most important factor is Al Hilal's 1-0 first-leg advantage, which came via an away goal, forcing Kenya Police into an attacking posture from the first whistle. The Kenyan side must score at least two unanswered goals to win the tie in 90 minutes. However, Police have shown they can perform on the road, notably securing a 3-1 away win against Mogadishu City Club in the previous round. This attacking intent will be tested by Al Hilal's strong defence, which proved its resilience by keeping a crucial clean sheet in Nairobi.

Correct Score: 1-1

The prediction is for a 1-1 draw, a result that would send Al Hilal to the group stage. Kenya Police have to chase the game, and with no injuries and high motivation, they are expected to throw everything forward and likely find the net at some point. 

However, this "all-or-nothing" approach will inevitably leave them vulnerable at the back. Al Hilal is a deeply experienced and defensively organized side. As Police push for a second goal, they will leave space, which the likes of Coulibaly are perfectly suited to exploit on the counter-attack to secure the draw they need to advance 2-1 on aggregate.

For those looking to place a wager on this outcome, Betano offers excellent markets for this crucial CAF Champions League qualifier.

The head-to-head history between these two clubs is brief, as they have only met once. That single encounter was the first leg of this tie just last week on October 17, 2025. Al Hilal won that match 1-0 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, meaning Malian forward Adama Coulibaly is the only player to have scored in the history of this fixture.

Reflecting their first-leg win and home-turf advantage in Libya, Al Hilal are the clear bookmakers' favourites, with odds listed at 1.45. The draw, which would also see the Sudanese side advance, is priced at 3.84. An upset victory for the visitors, Kenya Police FC, is seen as a long shot at 6.75. (Odds are subject to change. Check Betano for the latest odds before placing your bet.)

Al Hilal have no reported injuries or suspensions from the first leg. Having secured a vital away win and a clean sheet, coach Laurentie Aurelienne is expected to field a similar lineup, trusting the defensive unit that frustrated Police in Nairobi. The team will be buoyed by the prospect of playing in front of a supportive crowd in Benghazi, which they will treat as their home advantage.

Kenya Police head coach Etienne Ndiyaragijje has confirmed a fully fit squad for the trip to Libya. Despite the long journey, all players arrived safely and are "in high spirits" and "ready to give everything." After his costly error in the first leg, Charles Ouma will be under pressure to retain his starting spot. Attackers Edward Omondi and David Okoth, who came on as substitutes in Nairobi, are pushing for a start as the coach looks for a more clinical edge in the final third.

Al Hilal Predicted Lineup:

(4-2-3-1) Soufiane (GK); Ebuela, Karshoum, Diouf, Luzolo; Petrus, Salah; Walieldin, Abdel Raouf, Coulibaly; Sunday

Kenya Police Predicted Lineup:

(4-3-3) Ochieng (GK); Sakari, D. Ochieng, Okoth, Badi; Ouma, T. Otieno, Nabwire; Kinanga, Ayanrinde, E. Omondi

This is a high-stakes game where one team is defending a lead and the other is chasing history. The first expert betting tip is an Al Hilal to Win result. 

The Sudanese side are favourites for a reason; they have the 1-0 lead, far more experience at this level, and are playing in front of a supportive crowd, making them well-priced to win the match outright. 

Following that, the Under 2.5 goals market is highly recommended. Al Hilal’s game plan will be to set up defensively and protect their aggregate lead, which points directly to a tight, tactical, and low-scoring affair, just like the first leg. 

Finally, the Both Teams to Score: No tip looks solid. Al Hilal’s primary objective is a clean sheet, which would guarantee their progression. Kenya Police were shut out at home and will find it even tougher to score away against a team defending a lead.