Kenya Police: We Picked Vital Lessons In Our CAF Confederation Cup Debut
Kenya Police (Red) versus Zamalek at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO
CAIRO, Egypt- Even though Kenya Police FC are out of the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup after a 3-1 aggregate loss to defending champions Zamalek SC, the team feels they gave a good account of themselves in their debut at the continental showpiece.
To head coach Anthony ‘Modo’ Kimani, the competition was a good learning curve for his charges and the current outfit he is building for future African assignments.
“We did not get the results we expected but we picked vital lessons that will be key for us in the future.
“We really had lots of positives that we picked, among them is the experience that the boys got from the tough battle with Zamalek,” Kimani said.
The tactician added further: “I had quality and positive players, what I think we need to add when it comes to future continental assignments is the energy and the creativity needed to win the matches.”
The coach’s sentiments have been echoed by a section of their fans who feel Kenya Police gave their best in the two CAF preliminary rounds; against Zamalek and Ethiopian Coffee SC.
“Police FC my team you did well , it’s forward ever and backwards never for us,” Doreen Mukiri wrote on the club’s social media.
Benson Kyalo urged the players to settle down very fast and channel their concentration on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League and the FKF Cup that will grant them another opportunity to take part in continental competitions next year.
“You really gave us a good show, let’s now concentrate on the league for another opportunity in the CAF competition next season,” said Kyalo.
Ally Abdi urged the team to never give up as there is always a next time. Frank Mugo was also of the same opinion that they had a good trial in the 2-1 loss to Zamalek in Cairo in the return leg.
Contented Roggie Kadenge felt they went down fighting like real men in Cairo on Friday.
“You gave it your all and that’s all we had asked for, I’m proud of you guys” Kadenge told the players.
David Wanjiku also wrote: “Congratulations boys, we shall fight another day.”
While many fans were of the opinion that the team tried their best in the contests, others like Kelvin Prince rebuked their outfit saying the players put up a dismal performance which was below the spectators expectation.
“You failed us.We needed more attacking football. We need an improvement next time,” Prince underlined.
To King Kizito, they were bundled out of the competition due to bad refereeing.
“Officiating wasn’t perfect. I’m referring to the second goal against us in Cairo to be specific. Our goalkeeper Patrick Matasi had started the ball wrongly and the referee could have ordered for the restart of the ball.
“And how come a goalkeeper could go to look for the ball! Some tactics cannot grow a team! Anyway they won the way they had wanted,” wrote Kizito.
Selected CAF Confederation Cup results
First leg in Nairobi: Kenya Police 0 1 Zamalek
Second leg in Cairo: Zamalek 2. 1 Kenya Police
