Kenya Police fire blanks in CAF Confederations Cup debut against visiting Ethiopian Coffee

Kenya Police FC could not break down a resolute Ethiopia Coffee in the first leg of their preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, played at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Thehad hoped to capitalize on home advantage ahead of a tricky trip to Addis Ababa next week, but they failed to do so.

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As expected, Kenya Police dominated the opening exchanges of the game as Coffee were forced to defend their quarters during the first 10 minutes.

In response to early pressure, often looked to hit the FKF Cup champions on the counterattack.

The hosts were forced to make an early substitution in the 15th minute when Brian Musa was stretchered off with an injury and was replaced by South Sudan international Charles Ouma.

Kenya Police FC are set to debut in the CAF Confederation Cup against Ethiopian Coffee, aiming for a strong start.

Kenya Police continued to see the bulk of the ball possession count midway through the first 45 as the likes of Baraka Badi, Afred Teku and Eric Zakayo probed inside the Ethiopian Coffee area.

Anteneh Beyene provided one of Coffee’s best chances of the half after latching onto a pin-point through ball into the Police area.

Tyson Otieno had a goal-bound shot blocked in the closing minutes of the first stanza after combining with Jaffari Owiti and the score was 0-0 during the halftime break in South C.

Kenya Police made two halftime substitutions, with Jackson Macharia and David Okoth coming in for Jaffari Owiti and Tyson Otieno, which changed the complexion of the game.

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The created pressure through their domination of possession and almost went ahead in the 58th minute when Leku drove a low shot on target, but Dawit Teka made a sharp save with his legs.

Baraka Bandi created space for himself before finding the target with a powerful left-footed drive, but Teka was up to the task.

Ethiopia Coffee were on the front foot later on in the second half and unleashed two shots on goal in quick succession. However, Rashid Toha did well to make the vital blocks.

With his side struggling to penetrate Ethiopia’s defence and create clear-cut chances, coach Salim Babu introduced Clinton Kinanga and Alvin Mang’eni.

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Mangeni created a great chance for Kinanga in the 87th minute, but keeper Dawid Teka produced a fine save to deny the latter.

Jackson Macharia initiated a quick counter-attack in the last five minutes, setting Ouma free down the wing. He combined with Brian Okoth but Coffee recovered to break up the play at the crucial moment.

The teams will meet for the return game at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa on Saturday 25 August, with the aggregate winners advancing to the second round to face defending champions Zamalek.

Kenya Police: Patrick Matasi, Badi Baraka, Abud Omar, Toha Rashid, Mohammed Musa, Musa Brian, Marvin Nabwire, Tyson Otieno, Zakayo Eric, Owiti Jaffari, Leku Alfred.

Ethiopian Coffee: Dawit Teka, Sintayehu Walche Wagesho, Ramkel Gang (C), Dawit Hipisa, Amanuel Altaye, Ermiyas Zerga, Anteneh Beyene, Woldeamanueal Lonka, Yitagesu Bayu, Befikadu Tamire, Kiar Sani.