Kenya Police Host Mogadishu City Club in CAF Champions League Opener
Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya Police FC will step onto the continental stage for the first time in their history when they face Somalia’s Mogadishu City Club in the opening leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round this Saturday, 20 September 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. East Africa Time (EAT), with expectations high as the newly crowned Kenyan champions look to impress in front of their home crowd.
The Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije, who guided Kenya Police to their first ever Premier League title last season, will lead the law enforcers as they seek to carry their domestic dominance into Africa’s top club competition. Across the touchline, Dadir Amin Ali will marshal Mogadishu City Club, a side that has shown steady improvement in regional competitions and is eager to showcase Somali football at a higher level.
Key figures on both sides are expected to play decisive roles. For Kenya Police, experienced midfielder Francis Kahata brings both creativity and composure, having featured in continental football before. His link-up play and ability to dictate tempo could be central to Police’s approach. Mogadishu City Club, meanwhile, will look to players such as Khawdho Marka Kawasira, who found the net in their recent CECAFA Kagame Cup outing against Sudanese giants Al Hilal, to provide the firepower needed away from home.
The return fixture will take place a week later in Somalia between 26 and 28 September. Both sides know that aggregate victory will set up a clash against either Jamus FC of South Sudan or Al Hilal of Sudan in the next round. For Kenya Police, making the most of home advantage is crucial, while Mogadishu City Club will be aiming to keep the tie alive by striking on the counter and possibly securing an away goal.
Saturday’s encounter is more than just a football match. For Kenya Police, it represents the culmination of years of investment and ambition, while for Mogadishu City Club, it is another step in a journey to re-establish Somali clubs on the continental stage. With passionate fans expected at Nyayo Stadium and a historic debut on the line, the clash promises to be a defining moment for both teams.