The law enforcers were making their second appearance in the continental scene, their first coming last season in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they failed to go past the second round after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Zamalek of Egypt.
Knowing that a strong start could increase their chances of reaching the second preliminary round of the lucrative competition, Police, under Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije, started off the strongest side, and it took them only 15 minutes to take the lead.
Albert Otieno did well to unlock the City Stars defence and the ball fell to Eric Zakayo, who made no mistake. After going into the half-time break enjoying a 1-0 lead, the second period saw the Somalian champions’ level matters from a defensive mistake.
But it took Police 10 minutes to regain their lead after Edward Omondi latched onto a through ball, before calmly slotting it past the advancing hands of the Mogadishu City goalkeeper. Before the goal, Police had another chance to score, but Albert Otieno rattled the woodwork after being put through by Charles Ouma.
Substitute David Simuyu ensured that Police registered a healthy advantage heading into the return leg after he glanced home a header in the 70th minute.
Police deserved to score more
According to Ndayiragije, the Kenyan champions deserved to score more than what they got, but remain confident of finishing the job when the two sides face each other again in the return leg clash at the same venue on Sunday, August 28th.
“We took control of the game from the onset and deserved to have scored more than four goals at the half-time break, but we couldn’t convert the chances that came our way,” explained Ndayiragije.
“At 1-0, it was all Police, but a lapse of concentration allowed them to pull a goal back, which is an away goal, but my player remained composed to add two more goals. It is a good result considering we still have another 90 minutes to play, we will have to be careful and work on finishing.”
Nairobi United snatch late draw away in Uganda
Another Kenyan representative, Nairobi United, who were making their first appearance in the CAF competitions, secured a late 2-2 draw against Ugandan Premier League side NEC FC in a first preliminary round Confederation Cup fixture at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds.
Nicknamed the Naibois, the promoted side (to the FKF Premier League) secured their ticket to represent the East African nation after defeating Gor Mahia 2-1 in the final of last season’s FKF domestic Cup.
It was the Kenyan side who scored first in the 25th minute when Enock Machaka latched onto a neat pass and calmly slotted past Benjamin Ochan. The lead lasted until the 80th minute when Cromwell Rwothomio put NEC level, rising highest to head home from a free-kick.
At the stroke of full time, NEC were awarded a penalty after a cross from Innocent Media hit the hand of a Nairobi United defender. Experienced Paul Mucureezi took the honours to send goalkeeper Kevin Oduor the wrong way.
There was late drama to unfold when substitute Shami Kibwana found space inside the area to score, and ensure Nairobi United returned with a 2-2 draw ahead of the return leg slated for Saturday, August 27th.
