Kenya Police FC’s much-anticipated debut in the CAF Confederation Cup ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ethiopian Coffee at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday. Despite a dominant performance where the Law Enforcers controlled possession and created several promising opportunities, they were unable to find the back of the net, leaving their hopes of advancing in the competition hanging in the balance as they head into the second leg.
The match kicked off with Kenya Police FC looking to capitalize on home advantage. The hosts, buoyed by their home crowd, started the game with intensity and determination, pressing Ethiopian Coffee high up the pitch and controlling the early exchanges. However, the visitors, known for their defensive resilience, were prepared for the challenge. Ethiopian Coffee’s strategy was clear from the outset: absorb pressure and look for opportunities to counterattack.
Kenya Police had a significant early blow when midfielder Brian Musa was forced off with an injury in the 15th minute, disrupting the rhythm they had started to establish. South Sudan international Charles Ouma was brought on to replace him, and although Ouma brought energy and effort, the early substitution seemed to unsettle the hosts. Nevertheless, Kenya Police continued to dominate possession, with players like Baraka Badi, Alfred Teku, and Eric Zakayo probing the Ethiopian Coffee defense for an opening.
As the first half progressed, Kenya Police increased their pressure, but Ethiopian Coffee remained disciplined and compact, making it difficult for the hosts to create clear-cut chances. The best opportunity of the half fell to Tyson Otieno, who combined well with Jaffari Owiti to create space in the penalty area. However, his goal-bound shot was blocked by the determined Ethiopian defense, and the teams went into halftime with the score still level at 0-0.
After the break, Kenya Police coach Salim Babu made two key substitutions, bringing on Jackson Macharia and David Okoth in place of Jaffari Owiti and Tyson Otieno. These changes brought fresh impetus to the Law Enforcers’ attack, and they began the second half with renewed energy. Jackson Macharia, in particular, was influential in driving the team forward, linking up well with his teammates and creating several opportunities.
In the 58th minute, Kenya Police nearly took the lead when Derrick Leku fired a low shot on target, but Ethiopian Coffee’s goalkeeper Dawit Teka made a crucial save with his legs to deny the striker. Moments later, Baraka Badi found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot, but once again, Teka was equal to the task, parrying the ball away to safety.
As the match wore on, Ethiopian Coffee began to grow in confidence, and they had their own opportunities to snatch an away goal. Anteneh Beyene, who had been a thorn in Kenya Police’s side all afternoon, latched onto a through ball and found himself in a promising position inside the penalty area. However, his effort was well-blocked by Rashid Toha, who was excellent in the heart of the Law Enforcers’ defense.
With time running out and the game still deadlocked, coach Salim Babu introduced fresh legs in the form of Clinton Kinanga and Alvin Mang’eni, hoping to break the stalemate. Mang’eni made an immediate impact, creating a great chance for Kinanga in the 87th minute, but once again, Dawit Teka came to Ethiopian Coffee’s rescue with a fine save.
In the final minutes, Kenya Police launched a quick counterattack, with Jackson Macharia leading the charge. He played a perfectly weighted pass to Charles Ouma, who combined with Brian Okoth down the right wing. The duo managed to get into a dangerous position, but Ethiopian Coffee’s defense recovered just in time to clear the danger and preserve the goalless draw.
The result means that Kenya Police will now have to achieve either a victory or a score draw in the return leg in Addis Ababa to advance to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup, where defending champions Zamalek await. While the Law Enforcers will be disappointed not to have secured a first-leg advantage, they can take heart from their performance and the fact that they managed to keep a clean sheet at home.
However, the second leg in Ethiopia will undoubtedly be a stern test. Ethiopian Coffee, who demonstrated their defensive solidity in Nairobi, will be confident of using their home advantage to press for a result. For Kenya Police, the key will be to remain disciplined defensively while finding a way to unlock the Ethiopian defense and capitalize on any opportunities that come their way.
The stakes will be high, as progression to the next round would not only be a historic achievement for Kenya Police FC but would also give them the chance to face one of Africa’s footballing giants, Zamalek. The Law Enforcers will need to dig deep and show their resilience if they are to overcome the challenge posed by Ethiopian Coffee and keep their CAF Confederation Cup dream alive.
As the teams prepare for the decisive second leg, all eyes will be on Kenya Police to see if they can rise to the occasion and secure the result they need in Addis Ababa. A place in the next round, and a potential showdown with Zamalek, is within reach, but it will require a determined and focused performance from the Kenyan side to make it a reality.
