Kenya Police out of CAF Confederation Cup
Football
By
Washington Onyango
| Sep 21, 2024
Zamalek cruised past Kenya Police FC to secure their place in the next round of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, claiming a 2-1 victory in Cairo on Friday night and a comfortable 3-1 win on aggregate.
The Egyptian side, who entered the second leg with a slim 1-0 advantage, put on a solid performance to outclass their Kenyan opponents and move on to the next stage.
Kenya Police, fresh off their FKF Cup triumph, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. Despite some promising moments, they were often wasteful in possession and failed to capitalize on key scoring opportunities.
Zamalek, however, took control in the second half. Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, expertly volleying a cross past goalkeeper Patrick Matasi to put the White Knights ahead.
Just four minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead in fortuitous fashion. A miscommunication between Police defender Musa Mohamed and Matasi allowed Nasser Maher to pounce on the loose ball and slot it into the net, extending Zamalek’s aggregate lead to 3-0.
READ MORE
How Africa can spark bargaining power locked in critical minerals
Give wildlife more funds for better climate action
Clerics' crucial role at the COP29 climate talks
Ruto, AU noble climate plan bound to fail
Africa plans to take common stand on climate change, peace and security
Africa caravan rallies citizens to lobby for climate justice at COP29
Why COP29 will be a clear litmus test for climate crisis
Unmet climate pledges fuel Africa's push for $5.9t by 2030 to avert loss and damage
CS Aden Duale: Finance must be Africa's priority in COP29 position paper
Kenya Police briefly clawed their way back into the contest when Jesse Were headed in from a well-placed free-kick in the 65th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
The visitors pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but lacked the composure needed to find the back of the net.
Tyson Otieno squandered a golden chance, sending his effort over the bar from close range, while Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamad Sobhi made crucial saves to maintain his side’s lead.
Despite a spirited late surge from Kenya Police, Zamalek held firm and secured a deserved victory.
The Egyptian giants will now turn their attention to the group stage, while Kenya Police shift focus to their domestic campaign.