The Law Enforcers begin their maiden CAF Champions League campaign, eyeing progress and a potential clash with African giants Al Hilal.
FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police are set to face Mogadishu City Club of Somalia in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
The draw, conducted on Saturday afternoon, has lined up 62 clubs from 50 African nations for Africa’s most prestigious club tournament.
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Nairobi United are preparing for a historic CAF Confederation Cup debut after being drawn in a high-stakes preliminary round clash.
Kenya Police will start their continental quest with an away fixture in Somalia between August 16 and 18, before hosting the return leg a week later in Nairobi.
This encounter marks Kenya Police’s maiden appearance in the CAF Champions League, offering them a chance to showcase their growing dominance in Kenyan football on an international stage.
The team’s solid domestic form and resolute defence will be tested by Mogadishu City Club, who are known for their fast-paced attacking style.
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The young Gor Mahia star has reflected on his costly decision in the Angola clash, emphasising a desire to improve in Harambee Stars clash against Morocco.
Should Kenya Police advance, they will face a stern challenge in the next round against Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman.
The prospect of meeting one of Africa’s most experienced Champions League sides will be a huge motivation for the Kenyan outfit, but first they must navigate past the Somali champions.
Al Hilal’s Remarkable Journey to the Title
Al Hilal head into the competition in historic circumstances, having been crowned champions in two countries.
In July, they thumped arch-rivals Al Merrikh 4-0 to win the Sudan Elite League — a tournament played in the northeast of Sudan under army control due to the ongoing civil war.
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Kenya were reduced to 10 men early but showed resilience to draw 1-1 with Angola in a tense CHAN 2024 clash.
The conflict, which erupted in 2023, has displaced millions and claimed tens of thousands of lives according to the United Nations.
To escape the war’s direct impact, both Hilal and Merrikh spent much of the season competing in the Mauritanian championship, where Hilal finished first and Merrikh sixth.
However, CAF regulations only permit national league champions to participate in the Champions League, compelling the two clubs to return to Sudan to complete the Elite League season.
Record-Breaking Success and a Continental Streak
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Hilal’s emphatic victory over Merrikh — including building a 3-0 lead by half-time — sealed their 31st Sudanese title, extending their record as the country’s most successful club. They edged Al Ahly Madani on goal difference, both sides having collected 14 points in the eight-team mini-league.
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Benni McCarthy is urging Harambee Stars to overcome their early-match nerves and live up to their potential ahead of the crucial CHAN 2024 clash against Morocco.
The win ensures Hilal maintain their remarkable streak of featuring in every CAF Champions League edition since 2004. Meanwhile, Al Ahly Madani will also make their debut in the competition, representing Sudan alongside Hilal.
