Confederation Cup: How ex-Gor Mahia players Kahata & Muguna can use 2019 experience to help Kenya Police upset Zamalek

When Kenya Police take on Zamalek in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League group stage qualifiers at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, they will be hoping they can count on the experience of both Kenneth Muguna and Francis Kahata to help them out.

Both players played instrumental roles in helping the side deliver a famous 4-2 victory over the Egyptian Giants during the group stages of the 2018/2019 Confederation Cup, and it was a vital win as it helped them get to the quarter finals of the competition that year.

Kahata in particular was instrumental in the first leg, providing an assist in the first leg. The first was a cutback towards Jaques Tuyisenge for the equalising goal after K’Ogalo had gone a goal down in the sixth minute.

Harambee Stars striker John Avire reflects on netting maiden goal for Harambee Stars in his first start for the side during their 2-1 win over Namibia.

On that occasion, Kahata was playing as a left sided attacker in Hassan Okaty’s 4-4-2 formation, and his dynamism on that flank was a cherry on the cake to aid his brilliant playmaking down that flank.

Now five years older and in the twilight of his career, the former Simba man has been relegated to being an impact playmaker who plays in a more central position

Muguna has become the chief playmaker who starts for both club and country, but is a more rangy presence in the middle of the park and can pick out a pass.

Muguna did not play in that match, but when they traveled to Cairo for the second leg a few weeks later, he played as they lost 4-0 on the night. 

Regardless, it was a valuable experience they gained from their encounters which could prove massive when they face the reining holders of the competition, this time in the red and white outfit of Police.

Five years ago, Police were playing second division football having been relegated back to the second tier of Kenyan football the year before, but since winning promotion back to the top flight in 2021, they have looked a different beast and animal.

They have primarily focused on bringing experienced internationals to the fold, and it has helped them sail up the league standings over the last couple of years.

During the now voided 2021/2022 season, they finished ninth in the league, and then followed it up with an impressive third place finish during the 2022/2023 season under the tutelage of Francis Baraza.

Anthony Kimani has revealed the strategy he will use if Kenya Police are to stand a chance of repeating Gor Mahia's famous 2019 heroics of stunning Zamalek on home soil.

Their 2023/2024 season did not get off to an ideal start, considering the fact that they had a tumultuous first leg that saw them part ways with Baraza and then Croatian tactician ZdravkoLogarusic after just two months.

Since the turn of the year though, they have looked impressive under the tutelage of Salim Babu, who is now the assistant coach considering he failed to acquire a CAF A licence. They look like a settled unit, and have also added more firepower during the off season, bringing established international footballers, who will only help both Muguna and Kahata by rubbing their experience off on the side.

One other notable player is Jesse Jackson Were, ZESCO United’s all time leading goalscorer who has even helped that club reach the semi finals of the Champions League back in 2016.

In 47 continental matches, he has scored 12 goals and registered 12 goals, and it will be vital considering they already lost Tito Okello, another player who was part of that 2019 squad. Head coach Anthony Kimani agrees.

Were himself has also played against Zamalek twice before in January 2020, although his side lost 2-0 away from home, but drew 1-1 at home and will be relied on as well because of his experience.

“Jesse has the experience because he has played at the highest level of these competitions and he knows what it takes. His presence in the team is a big boost,” said the tactician.

Will Kenya Police be able to capitalise on that advantage? Only time will tell.