FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC face a defining moment in their continental journey when they take on Sudanese giants Al Hilal SC in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi. The Law Enforcers trail 1-0 from the first leg in Nairobi and must overturn the deficit to reach the group stage for the first time in their history.
A win would mark a major milestone for the ambitious Kenyan side, who are eyeing a KSh 90 million windfall and a place among Africa’s elite. However, they face an uphill battle against an experienced Al Hilal side that boasts a strong defensive record and will be buoyed by a home-like atmosphere in Libya.
In the first leg, Kenya Police dominated possession but lacked the finishing touch, punished by a solitary strike from Malian forward Adama Coulibaly after a defensive lapse. Al Hilal will likely adopt a defensive and counter-attacking approach to preserve their aggregate advantage, while Kenya Police must press forward aggressively from the start.
For the visitors, the equation is simple: win by at least two goals to progress. A 1-0 win would force extra time, while any other scoreline would eliminate them on away goals. Head coach Etienne Ndayiragije insists his team is mentally prepared and physically ready, emphasizing the importance of focus and clinical finishing in front of goal.
Recent Form:
- Al Hilal: W W D L W
- Kenya Police: L W D L W
Team News:
Both teams have full squads available. Al Hilal coach Laurentie Aurelienne is expected to maintain the same lineup that earned a clean sheet in Nairobi, featuring Coulibaly as the key attacking threat. For Kenya Police, Ndayiragije may hand starts to Edward Omondi and David Okoth to inject pace and creativity into the attack.
Predicted Lineups:
Al Hilal (4-2-3-1): Soufiane; Ebuela, Karshoum, Diouf, Luzolo; Petrus, Salah; Walieldin, Abdel Raouf, Coulibaly; Sunday.
Kenya Police (4-3-3): Ochieng; Sakari, D. Ochieng, Okoth, Badi; Ouma, T. Otieno, Nabwire; Kinanga, Ayanrinde, E. Omondi.
Prediction:
Expect a tense and tactical battle. Kenya Police are likely to score but may struggle to keep Al Hilal quiet on the counterattack. A 1-1 draw appears the most probable result, sending Al Hilal through 2-1 on aggregate. Betting tips favor an Al Hilal win or draw, under 2.5 goals, and both teams not to score.
