Kenya Police leave it late against Ethiopian Coffee to enter Kagame Cup quarters
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 08.09.25. | 16:06
After suffering a 2-0 setback against Singida Black Stars earlier in the group stage, the Law Enforcers needed nothing short of victory to keep their hopes alive
FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC bounced back to winning ways in the ongoing CECAFA Kagame Club Championship, overcoming Ethiopian Coffee SC 2-0 with a spirited late show in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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After suffering a 2-0 setback against Singida Black Stars earlier in the group stage, the Law Enforcers needed nothing short of victory to keep their hopes alive.
And when it mattered most, second-half substitutes Alvin Mangeni and David Okoth stepped up, scoring in the final five minutes to hand Police a hard-fought 2-0 win and a ticket to the quarter-finals.
The contest kicked off at a frantic pace, both sides eager to stamp their authority early. Police, driven by the urgency of qualification, carved out the first real chance ten minutes in.
Gideon Muyodi, played through by Mosengo Tansele, found himself with space inside the box, but his effort flew over the crossbar.
Police continued to press, and shortly after the half-hour mark, Mosengo was again involved in a swift build-up initiated by Exaule Misuri, though his final attempt rolled narrowly wide.
Ethiopian Coffee responded with equal intensity, testing Police goalkeeper Khadame Ndiaye in the 35th minute when Okay Jul unleashed a fierce shot, but the Senegalese custodian gathered safely.
As the half drew to a close, Albert Otieno fired from range after linking up with Charles Ouma, but his attempt sailed high as the sides went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
The tempo rose further after the restart. Coach Etienne Ndayiragije's decision to introduce fresh legs moments before the halftime breather and upon restart saw David Simiyu, Erustus Chasara, Erick Zakayo, Geoffrey Onyango and Alvin Mangeni injected new life into Police’s attack.
Zakayo quickly combined with Mangeni just past the hour mark, only for the latter to drag his shot inches wide.
The Ethiopians, however, were equally threatening. On 72 minutes, Abubakar Adamu struck a thunderous volley from a set piece that seemed destined for the top corner, but Ndiaye produced a spectacular fingertip save to deny him.
Moments later, Amanual Admasu weaved his way into the Police box, only for Ouma to snuff out the danger with a timely interception.
Just as the game appeared to be drifting towards a stalemate, Police found their breakthrough. In the 85th minute, Geoffrey Onyango delivered a precise cross into the danger area, where Mangeni arrived at the perfect moment to slot home the opener.
The late goal lifted the spirits of the defending FKFPL champions, and they pressed on.
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Deep into stoppage time, substitute David Okoth sealed the result in style. Latching onto a clever through ball from Zakayo, the forward rounded the advancing goalkeeper Ibrahim Donald with composure before rolling the ball into an empty net, sparking wild celebrations among the Police faithful.
The victory sees Kenya Police finish second in Group A with six points, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the prestigious regional competition.
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