Kenya Police FC have lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against Sudanese champions Al Hilal Omdurman, alleging that the club fielded three ineligible players during Friday’s CAF Champions League second-round return leg in Benghazi, Libya.
According to reports from the club, the Kenyan champions took to the pitch under a written protest signed by both teams after discovering that some Al Hilal players were not registered with the Sudanese Football Association (SFA) — a potential breach of CAF regulations.
Despite the protest, the match proceeded as scheduled at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, where Al Hilal defeated Kenya Police 3–1 to complete a 4–1 aggregate victory and progress to the group stage of the continental competition.
Financial Implications
The loss not only ended Police FC’s maiden CAF Champions League campaign but also cost them a potential financial windfall. Clubs advancing to the group stage are guaranteed a minimum payout of $700,000 (approximately KSh 90.3 million) under CAF’s current prize structure.
Instead, the Kenyan champions will receive $100,000 (around KSh 12.9 million) for their participation in the preliminary rounds — a significant shortfall given the team’s ambitions and investment ahead of the competition.
Match Summary
Al Hilal took the lead in the first half through Nigerian striker Sunday Adetunji, who rose to head home a delivery from Mohamed Ereng in the 36th minute. The Sudanese side had already signaled intent earlier when Alassane Coulibaly fired over from a free kick and Walieldin Pogba forced a reflex save from Police goalkeeper Khadim Ndiaye.
Police responded well after the interval and found an equaliser in the 56th minute through substitute Eric Zakayo, who capped off a sweeping move involving Tansele Mosengo and Marvin Nabwire.
The joy, however, was short-lived. Adetunji restored Al Hilal’s lead midway through the second half after connecting with a well-timed assist from Pogba, before Salem Mohammed sealed the victory late on with a composed finish.
Tactical Battle and Reaction
Police FC’s defence, marshaled by Ochieng David, Geoffrey Onyango, and Charles Ouma, showed resilience for much of the contest, but Al Hilal’s attacking efficiency ultimately proved decisive.
Head coach Etienne Ndayiragije, speaking after the match, said his side will use the experience as a learning curve for future continental competitions.
“At this level, small mistakes make a big difference. I thought we were growing into the game and could have made more of our chances,” Ndayiragije told Azam TV.
“This is like the first half of our journey — the second half will be about correcting our errors and coming back stronger.”
What’s Next
Kenya Police’s complaint to CAF is expected to trigger a review by the governing body’s disciplinary or competitions committee, which could verify player registration documents and determine whether any breaches occurred.
If found valid, sanctions against Al Hilal could include fines, match forfeiture, or disqualification — though such rulings are rare and often require substantial evidence.
For now, Al Hilal advance to the CAF Champions League group stage, while Kenya Police FC return home to focus on defending their FKF Premier League title.
