CAF Champions League: Kenya Police Coach on Why Charges Must Not Underestimate Mogadishu Ahead of Nyayo Clash

Kenya Police head coach Etienne Ndayiragije has warned his charges to leave no stone unturned in the quest to complete the job ahead of their CAF Champions League preliminary return leg clash against Mogadishu City at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

The FKF Premier League champions claimed a 3-1 win in the first leg, but Ndayiragije insists that complacency could undo their chances of advancing.

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In their CAF Champions League preliminary round debut, Kenya Police dominated the first leg at Nyayo Stadium, defeating Mogadishu City 3-1. Goals from Erick Zakayo, Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi, and David Simiyu put them in a strong position. 

Mogadishu’s lone goal came via Adan Yusuf after a defensive error. Even with the advantage, Ndayiragije emphasises that Mogadishu City should not be discounted.

 “Part of what helped us is that we were able to view them during the CECAFA Kagame Cup, otherwise, they would really have shocked us,” he said.

“You could easily write them off because they come from a nation not renowned for its football prowess, but you saw them draw against Sudan’s Al Ahly. They are very good at covering spaces and they could surprise you on the counter attack. 

“You saw they were not easy to face. We have to stay concentrated if we are to complete the job.”

Across the divide, Mogadishu City coach Ali Abubaka remains undeterred. He stresses the significance not only for the club but for Somalian football as a whole. 

“We still believe we can turn this around in the second leg and it will open gates for Somalian football because if you look, we only have two Somalia players,” he said. “If we make the group stages, it will uplift Somalian football. It will give the players a chance to be scouted by other teams, as well as give the coaching staff a chance to earn better moves.” 

He also acknowledged Kenya Police’s strength, but refused to bow to intimidation. “Police have fantastic players like Abud Omar who captained the Harambee Stars squad during the CHAN 2024 tournament, but we cannot fear them.” 

Kenya Police’s first-leg performance demonstrated their tactical discipline and ability to respond under pressure. Although Mogadishu equalised early in the second half, Police quickly reasserted control, with Omondi and Simiyu restoring the lead and sealing the victory.

With the return leg also being held at Nyayo (owing to Somalia’s lack of a CAF-approved venue), Police effectively have home advantage again. A draw, or even a narrow loss, should see them through — so long as they maintain concentration.