Kenya Police Survive Mogadishu City Scare to Reach CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round

Kenya Police have sealed their place in the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League second preliminary round despite being stunned 2-0 at home by Mogadishu City FC at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

The Law Enforcers had beaten the Somali champions 3-1 in the first leg at the same venue last week and advanced on the away goals rule after a nervy 3-3 aggregate draw. Their dream of reaching the lucrative group stages is now just 180 minutes away.

Kenya Police dictated early possession but struggled to break down Mogadishu’s compact defense, failing to create real danger in the opening 20 minutes. Their best moment came in the 21st minute when Albert Otieno linked up with Eric Zakayo, only to be brought down after receiving the return pass — but the referee waved play on, leaving fans frustrated.

Mogadishu gave their first warning in the 26th minute as Issa Adan Yusuf forced a routine save from Khadime Ndiaye. Seven minutes later, Yusuf would not be denied. After Albert Onyeama forced a turnover, he released Yusuf with a perfectly weighted through ball. The winger calmly slotted past Ndiaye with his left foot to silence the Nyayo faithful and give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.

Police restarted sluggishly and were punished almost immediately. Joash Onyango fouled the lively Yusuf inside the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. Ibrahima Bangura stepped up and coolly sent Ndiaye the wrong way, doubling Mogadishu’s advantage and putting Police on the brink of elimination.

Coach Etienne Ndayiragije reacted with a triple substitution, introducing Edward Omondi, David Okoth, and Eustus Emodia to inject urgency into the attack.

The changes lifted Police, with Omondi twice going close. Their best chance came in the 80th minute after a slick buildup inside the box, but Okoth’s effort was superbly stopped by Mogadishu goalkeeper Yusuf Yusuf, who injured himself in the process yet preserved his side’s clean sheet.

Despite the loss, Kenya Police advanced on away goals and will now face one of  Al Hilal omdurman or Jamus in the second preliminary round. 

With just one tie separating them from the group stage, Ndayiragije’s men will need sharper finishing and improved defensive organization if they are to make history on the continental stage.