Kenya Police exit Confederation Cup with heads held high

Kenya Police's Charles Sila (left) shields the ball from Rahid Toha of Ethiopian Coffee SC during their Confederation Cup match at Nyayo Stadium last month. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Even though Kenya Police FC are out of the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup after a 3-1 aggregate loss to defending champions Zamalek SC, the team feels they gave a good account of themselves in their debut at the continental showpiece.

The law enforcers fell 2-1 to the Egyptian giants in the return leg in Cairo on Friday night with new signing Jesse Were scoring the consolation goal.

To head coach Anthony 'Modo' Kimani, the competition was a good learning curve for his charges and the current outfit he is building for future international assignments.

"We did not get the results we expected but we picked vital lessons that will be key for us in the future.

"We really had lots of positives that we picked, among them is the experience that the boys got from the tough battle with Zamalek," Kimani said.

The tactician added further: "I had quality and positive players, what I think we need to add when it comes to future continental assignments is the energy and the creativity needed to win the matches."

The coach's sentiments have been echoed by a section of their fans who feel Kenya Police gave their best in the two CAF preliminary rounds; against Zamalek and Ethiopian Coffee SC.

"Police FC my team you did well, it's forward ever and backwards never for us," Doreen Mukiri wrote on the club's social media.

Benson Kyalo urged the players to settle down very fast and channel their concentration on the FKF Premier League and the FKF Cup that will grant them another opportunity to take part in continental competitions next year.

"You really gave us a good show, let's now concentrate on the league for another opportunity in the CAF competition next season," said Kyalo.