The Law Enforcers advanced on the away goals rule after a dramatic 3-3 aggregate draw, keeping alive their historic dream of reaching the lucrative group stages. Kenya Police began the match with confidence, enjoying possession but failing to turn their dominance into clear-cut chances.
In the 21st minute, Alvin Otieno combined well with Eric Zakayo, only for Otieno to be bundled over just outside the box. The referee waved play on, to the frustration of the home supporters. Mogadishu grew into the game and showed their threat in the 26th minute when Issa Adan Yusuf forced Khadime Ndiaye into a comfortable save. Minutes later, they silenced the crowd.
Albert Onyeama intercepted a loose pass in midfield and threaded a clever ball to Yusuf, who coolly slotted past Ndiaye in the 33rd minute to hand Mogadishu a 1-0 halftime lead. Coach Etienne Ndayiragije admitted his side looked nervous.
“We started well but lacked composure in the final third,” he said. “When you don’t take chances at this level, you get punished. Mogadishu came with nothing to lose, and they showed bravery.” The restart brought more trouble for the Police.
Within four minutes, veteran defender Joash Onyango clattered into Yusuf inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Ibrahima Bangura stepped up, sending Ndiaye the wrong way to double Mogadishu’s advantage.
At 2-0, the Police were staring at elimination on home turf. The visitors’ bench erupted in celebration while the home fans watched in stunned silence. Ndayiragije quickly made a triple substitution, bringing in Edward Omondi, David Okoth, and Eustus Emodia to inject urgency.
The changes galvanised the attack. Omondi twice tested Mogadishu’s goalkeeper, while Okoth nearly pulled one back in the 80th minute after a sharp one-two, but Yusuf Yusuf produced a stunning save, injuring himself in the process yet preserving his clean sheet.
Despite the late pressure, the Police failed to score, but their crucial 3-1 away win in the first leg carried them through on the away goals rule. After the final whistle, Ndayiragije praised his players’ resilience but warned they must improve.
“We are relieved, but this must be a wake-up call,” he said. “In Africa, margins are thin. We can’t afford defensive lapses or wasted chances if we want to reach the group stage. The dream is alive, but we must sharpen our finishing and stay disciplined.” Mogadishu coach Mohamed Abdi Osman hailed his team’s courage despite elimination. “I am proud of my boys,” he said.
“Coming here and beating Police 2-0 shows Somali football has grown. We played without fear, and today we showed character. Unfortunately, the away goals rule punished us, but this is football. We will come back stronger.”
Kenya Police will now face the winner between Al Hilal Omdurman of Sudan and Jamus FC in the second preliminary round. Victory over two legs would secure their maiden qualification for the Caf Champions League group stage. Club captain David Ochirng echoed his coach’s sentiments. “We know what’s at stake,” he said.
“Today was tough, but we live to fight another day. We will correct our mistakes and prepare better for the next opponent. This team has the potential to make history.”
