Kenya Police FC, playing in their first-ever CAF Champions League, narrowly qualified for the second round despite losing their home game 2-0 to Mogadishu City Club. 

The Kenyan team advanced on the away goals rule because their 3-1 win in the first game meant they scored more goals away from home than their opponent did. 

This hard-fought qualification, which ended 3-3 on total goals, brought clear relief to coach Etienne Ndayiragije, who now says the team must work quickly to solve their defensive problems before their next crucial match.

The second leg was a nerve-wracking affair for the home fans. 

Although Kenya Police started by controlling the ball, Mogadishu City’s defense was highly disciplined. 

The Somali side broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Issa Adan Yusuf scored with a neat finish following a possession turnover.

Disaster struck for the hosts nine minutes after the restart. 

Defender Joash Onyango conceded a penalty, and Ibrahima Bangura calmly converted in the 54th minute, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3. 

Mogadishu City needed just one more goal to eliminate the Kenyan champions, but despite late pressure and a great save from the Somali goalkeeper, Police held on to protect their away goals advantage. 

The match was played under a heavy police presence following disturbances in the first leg involving some Mogadishu fans.

Kenya Police coach Etienne Ndayiragije expressed clear relief, stating, “Most important thing is that we have qualified.” 

He immediately stressed the need to shift focus to upcoming domestic league matches to sharpen the team’s match fitness for their next continental challenge.

In contrast, Mogadishu City coach Abdirahman Ali Abubakar was heartbroken by the result, directly criticizing the rule that ended his team’s run. 

“It is too painful to be knocked out this way after the hard work by my players. CAF should scrap the away goals rules like UEFA did,” he remarked. 

The away goals rule, which still applies in the CAF Champions League (unlike UEFA’s competitions), values goals scored on an opponent’s pitch more heavily when the aggregate score is tied.

This narrow qualification is an important achievement for Kenya Police, who entered the competition as the reigning FKF Premier League champions. 

Their next opponent in the second preliminary round will be determined by the tie between Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal Omdurman and Jamus FC of South Sudan.

To reach the lucrative group stages, coach Ndayiragije’s side must urgently address the defensive problems and finishing issues exposed by Mogadishu. 

Their next competitive matches in the domestic league offer a vital opportunity to refine their strategy. 

For Kenyan football, this advancement, alongside Nairobi United’s recent progress in the Confederation Cup, provides a much-needed boost for stronger continental representation.