Kenya Police FC’s maiden journey in the CAF Confederation Cup came to an end after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Zamalek SC at Cairo International Stadium on Friday night.
The Law Enforcers, who trailed 1-0 from the first leg in Nairobi, were unable to overturn the deficit in the second leg, falling short against the reigning champions.
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The match kicked off with Kenya Police FC needing at least two goals to have any chance of advancing. However, Zamalek, known for their defensive solidity and sharp counter-attacks failed to find the back of the net with their deep pressing of the opponents. Despite the pressure, Kenya Police held firm in the first half, managing to keep the score line goalless at the break.
The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Zamalek’s talisman Ahmed “Zizo” Mostafa found the back of the net to open the score for the white knights after a clinical counterattack.
The goal seemed to shake Kenya Police’s composure, and just five minutes later, a defensive lapse proved costly. Naser Abd capitalized on a misjudged back pass from Musa Mohammed, beating goalkeeper Patrick Matasi to slot home the second.
With the aggregate now 3-0, Kenya Police responded with more attacking intent. Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Jesse Were, the club’s marquee signing opened his account for the club. However, despite the late surge, Zamalek’s game management and experience shone through, as they comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Kenya Police FC’s exit from the tournament marks the end of their first-ever continental adventure, with valuable lessons learned as they shift focus back to domestic competition. Zamalek SC, meanwhile, marches on to the group stages continuing their quest to defend their title.
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