Mogadishu City Club take on Kenya Police FC at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi in their first round CAF Champions League tie, with the first leg to be played this afternoon, Saturday 20 September 2025.
With the return leg to be played at the same venue Sunday 28 September, the first leg clash will play a big role in understanding who is more likely to book a ticket to the second round come next week.
Or not.
Pundits expect a tight match between two sides that are largely inexperienced at this level of the competition. For Mogadishu City Club, its a rare foray into the continent, having last done so back in 2011. For Police, last season's CAF Confederations Cup was their first ever entry into continental competition. This is their second. No one is expecting fireworks at the Nyayo National Stadium, not at least today anyway.
At the recent CECAFA Kagame Cup in Tanzania, where both sides featured, Mogadishu City came out unbeaten, winning one and drawing two of their three matches. Kenya Police on the other hand won two and lost one of their three matches. Pretty even form.
In their respective league victories last season, Mogadishu City lost once all season, even though they take part in a 22 game league season, garnering 58 points overall to win the Somali National League. Police on the other hand, facing a much tougher division in Kenya, lost just five times in a 34 game league. Again, on relative terms, they are pretty even form wise.
TOUGH CONTEST
Both coaches expect a tight contest.
Mogadishu City Club coach Daadir Ali,
" I expect a tight match. We have seen them in the Kagame Cup and they are a good team. We have our own ideas on how we will approach the game and we are confident we can get the desired result. This is the first leg of two matches so for now we have to concentrate on making sure we are in a good position for next week.
Kenya Police FC coach Etienne Ndayiragije,
" We have prepared well physically and psychologically and the players are ready. The players experienced continental football last season and they are eager to make a mark in the Champions League. Our opponents Mogadishu are a team we watched in Tanzania well and we have prepared adequately.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mogadishu City Club
Said Mohammed- Defender: The team captain is a dependable central defender revels in physical battles and is strong in the challenge and good in the air. To ward off Police FC's well stacked attacking options, Mogadishu City will need their captain at his best if they are to survive the 180 minutes or so of Police's attacks.
Mark Kawasira- Midfielder: The Kenyan central midfielder is a key cog in their midfield and combines astutely with fellow Kenyan Telvin Maina and Ibrahim Bangura in midfield. He was on the scoresheet for his club when they faced Sudanese giants Al Hilal at the Kagame Cup and will provide ammunition for his side at Nyayo.
Abdikadir Einow 'Benteke'- Forward: The striker will be central to the Mogadishu City Club's goal scoring efforts against Police, who will have an experienced backline to counter his presence.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kenya Police FC
Charles Ouma- Defender: He was ever-present as Police won the Kenyan Premier League title last season. He is also a fantastic threat on set pieces and has grown in stature in recent years. His combination with Joash Onyango at centre back will be important for Police.
Marvin Nabwire- Midfielder: Nabwire was a certified pick for Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy during the recent CHAN tournament in Nairobi and his physicality as well as passing range will be vital for Police in what will be a clogged midfield.
Alvin Mang'eni-Forward: Mang'eni, just like his compatriots Eric Zakayo and David Okoth make up the goal scoring function of the team and will be vital for Police as they chase the all important goals that will take them through to the next round.
Kick off will be at 4 PM East African Time.
