Police FC now face a tougher challenge in Egypt in the second leg, where they must win to advance past this stage of the competition.
Kenya Police FC fell short this evening losing 1-0 to Egyptian side Zamalek SC in the CAF Champions League second preliminary first leg at Nyayo National Stadium. As one of Kenya’s two representatives and debutants in the competition, they were unable to capitalize on their home advantage and will need to overcome Zamalek in the second leg scheduled for the 25th of this month in Egypt to advance further.
Zamalek started the match strongly, maintaining possession throughout the first half. However, Kenya Police FC posed the first real threat in the seventh minute when Francis Kahata made a magnificent through pass across the defense. Unfortunately, debutant Jesse Were could not capitalize as the Egyptian goalkeeper reacted quickly to snuff out the opportunity.
Zamalek soon responded with winger Z. Maher causing problems for Police defender Aboud Omar, who received a yellow card. Despite Zamalek's early pressure, Police FC took control of the game and looked poised to secure a lead. In the 24th minute, Jesse Were chested a long ball in the middle of Zamalek’s defense and passed it to Kahata who cleverly set up Jafari Owiti. However, Owiti’s shot went wide.
Police FC had another chance in the 43rd minute when David Okoth delivered a cross for Jesse Were, who again missed the target under pressure. Zamalek quickly countered just before halftime with Zizo being fouled just outside the Police FC penalty area by Abud Omar. During the resulting free kick, the Police FC players made a tactical error. They crowded the box to mark the four Zamalek players inside the box but overlooked those on the edge. Zizo passed to Abdullah Al-Saeed on the edge, who easily scored a great goal top corner.
In the second half, Kenya Police coach Antony Kimani made two substitutions bringing on Alvin Mang’eni and Tyson Otieno for Brian Okoth and Jafari Owiti. The changes proved effective, with Alvin applying pressure on the wings and enhancing Abud Omar’s attacking play. Police FC had several chances to equalize but both Francis Kahata and substitute Alfred Leku missed their opportunities. Leku’s miss was particularly painful, as Abud Omar had done the hard work, but Leku’s shot went wide.
Police FC now face a tougher challenge in Egypt in the second leg, where they must win to advance past this stage of the competition.