FKF Premier League holders Kenya Police FC have missed out on millions of shillings after their CAF Champions League journey came to an end on Friday, October 24, 2025, after a 3–1 loss to Sudanese side Al Hilal SC.

This game was in the second leg of the second preliminary round, played at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, Libya.

The Law enforcers were in for a windfall should they have progressed to the group stages of the continent’s elite club football, as the difference in funds disbursement between the qualifiers and the group stage is huge, with a club that qualifies for the group stage securing a guaranteed minimum payout. Currently, teams finishing third or fourth in their group receive $700,000, roughly KSh 90.3 million. 

However, police pocketed $100,000 (about KSh 12.9 million) for the CAF Champions League preliminary assignments.

Tough lack in Libya

Al Hilal broke the deadlock in the first half when Sunday Adetunji rose highest to nod home a well-placed delivery from Mohamed Ereng.

The Kenyan champions responded after the breakthrough substitute Eric Zakayo, who finished off a smooth attacking move initiated by Tansele Mosengo and Marvin Nabwire, levelled the score and briefly reignited hope for the visitors.

However, Al Hilal quickly regained control as Adetunji netted his second of the evening after a neat assist from Walieldin Pogba. Late in the game, Salem Mohammed struck the third goal, effectively sealing victory and progression for the hosts.

Al Hila chances

Earlier in the match, Alassane Coulibaly had a chance to score from a free kick but sent his effort over the bar. At the other end, Police almost took the lead when David Simiyu’s header forced a fine save from Soufiane Farid midway through the first half. Moments later, Walieldin Pogba threatened again for Al Hilal, forcing Khadim Ndiaye into a reflex save that pushed the ball onto the post.

In the 36th minute, Al Hilal capitalised on a set piece as Ereng’s cross found Adetunji, who made no mistake with a powerful header. Despite continued pressure from Ernest Luzolo, Salah Adil, and Brian Girumugisha, the police’s defensive trio of Ochieng David, Geoffrey Onyango, and Charles Ouma managed to hold their ground.

Police looked better after the restart and got their equaliser in the 56th minute through Zakayo’s composed finish, but Al Hilal’s quality shone through as Adetunji’s brace and Mohammed’s late strike ensured the Sudanese club advanced comfortably to the group stage.

The result confirmed a 4–1 aggregate win for the Sudanese side, following their 1–0 victory in Nairobi last week, after Police FC head coach Etienne Ndayiragije had warned his charges against complacency heading into the return leg.

“I told my players that 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. I thought we were growing into the game, and we could have finished off our chances. I take this as the first half, and I believe the second half will be favourable for our side,” Ndayiragije told Azam TV after the match.