In a gripping CAF Confederation Cup clash at Nyayo National Stadium, Kenya Police had their chances but ultimately fell short against Zamalek, who edged closer to securing a spot in the group stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
The match started with Zamalek dominating possession, but Kenya Police’s goalkeeper, Patrick Matasi, was quick off his line in the second minute to thwart a dangerous cross, setting the tone for a tense encounter.
Gradually, Kenya Police found their rhythm. In the eighth minute, Francis Kahata sent a tantalizing pass towards Jesse Were, but it was just beyond his reach. The game ebbed and flowed, with both teams showcasing moments of brilliance.
However, Kenya Police’s inability to convert their chances proved costly. In the 25th minute, after a series of crisp passes, Jaffari Owiti’s shot narrowly missed the target. Minutes before halftime, another golden opportunity arose when David Okoth delivered a pinpoint cross to Were, whose shot agonizingly went wide.
The missed chances came back to haunt Kenya Police when, just before the break, Zamalek’s Abdullah Al-Saeed curled in a stunning free-kick following a foul by Aboud Omar, leaving Matasi with no chance.
The second half saw Kenya Police on the offensive, with substitutes Alvin Mang’eni and Tyson Otieno bringing fresh energy. Despite their efforts, their shots lacked the precision needed to beat Zamalek’s goalkeeper.
In the dying minutes, Jesse Were had one last chance to level the score, but his effort from Kahata’s pass drifted just off target.
As the final whistle blew, Zamalek celebrated a strategic victory, now just one game away from another Confederation Cup group stage appearance. Kenya Police, despite their valiant efforts and clear chances, were left to rue what could have been a historic upset.
