Kenya Police's Missed Chances Prove Costly as Zamalek Edges Closer to CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage

• Sep 14, 2024

Kenya Police failed to capitalize on key opportunities in their CAF Confederation Cup clash against Zamalek, losing 1-0 in a closely contested match at Nyayo National Stadium. The first-leg of the second preliminary round tie saw Zamalek, the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions, edge one step closer to securing a spot in the group stage.

In the early moments of the match, Zamalek dominated possession, leaving Kenya Police struggling to gain control. The first significant action came in the second minute, when Police goalkeeper Patrick Matasi made a timely interception, stopping a Zamalek cross with his hands. This save marked the beginning of Kenya Police’s gradual rise in confidence.

By the eighth minute, Police began to create opportunities, with Francis Kahata delivering a well-placed pass toward Jesse Were, but the ball was slightly overhit. The game balanced out, with both sides sharing moments of dominance. However, Kenya Police would ultimately squander several key chances to take the lead.

The first major opportunity came in the 25th minute when Jaffari Owiti’s left-footed shot went just wide of the post after a fluid exchange of passes. Another big chance followed in the 41st minute when Kahata's pass to Owiti was intercepted by Zamalek’s goalkeeper, Mohammed Sobhy. Just before halftime, David Okoth whipped a cross into the box, but Were missed a crucial chance to score, sending the ball wide.

Zamalek made Kenya Police pay for their missed opportunities. In the 42nd minute, Abdullah Al-Saeed capitalized on a foul by Aboud Omar near the edge of the byline. Al-Saeed struck a superb ball past Matasi, giving Zamalek a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

Despite Zamalek’s defensive approach in the second half, Kenya Police pressed forward, bringing on substitutes Alvin Mang’eni and Tyson Otieno to inject fresh energy into the attack. Police created several chances, but their shots were easily handled by Sobhy, who remained solid in goal.

Jesse Were had another golden opportunity to equalize in the 87th minute after receiving a well-placed pass from Kahata, but once again, he missed the target. In the end, Zamalek held on to their 1-0 lead, putting themselves 90 minutes away from advancing to the group stage.

Kenya Police will now face the uphill task of overturning the deficit in the second leg if they hope to keep their CAF Confederation Cup dream alive.