FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC have bowed out of the CAF Champions League, missing out on millions of shillings after suffering a 3–1 defeat to Sudanese giants Al Hilal SC on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, Libya.
The result confirmed a 4–1 aggregate win for Al Hilal, following their 1–0 victory in Nairobi last week, ending Police FC’s hopes of making history in their maiden appearance in the competition.
Had the Law Enforcers advanced to the group stages, they would have been guaranteed at least $700,000 (approximately KSh 90.3 million) — a huge financial boost compared to the $100,000 (around KSh 12.9 million) they earned for their preliminary round participation.
Al Hilal took control early in the first half when Sunday Adetunji rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Mohamed Ereng. Police nearly responded through David Simiyu, whose header forced a fine save from Soufiane Farid, but the equaliser came only after the break.
Second-half substitute Eric Zakayo converted a smooth move initiated by Tansele Mosengo and Marvin Nabwire, drawing the Kenyan champions level and briefly reigniting hope. However, Al Hilal’s quality soon told — Adetunji grabbed his second of the night from a Walieldin Pogba assist, before Salem Mohammed sealed the hosts’ victory late on.
Despite spirited performances from Geoffrey Onyango, Ochieng David, and Charles Ouma in defence, Police struggled to contain Al Hilal’s pace and precision.
After the match, head coach Etienne Ndayiragije admitted that inexperience at the top level cost his team:
“When you get to the top level, you must reduce mistakes and make sure that when chances come, you don’t panic and waste them,” Ndayiragije said. “We were growing into the game and could have finished off our chances, but this is a lesson for us to build on.”
While the result ends Police FC’s continental run, it provides valuable experience as they return to domestic duties — determined to defend their FKF Premier League title and earn another shot at Africa’s elite competition.
