Kenya Police FC’s continental adventure came to an end on Friday afternoon after falling 3–1 to Al Hilal Omdurman in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final qualifying round at the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi, Libya. The result confirmed a 4–1 aggregate win for the Sudanese champions, who advance to the group stage once again at the expense of the debutant Kenyan side.

Having lost 1–0 in Nairobi the previous week, Police FC went into the return leg needing a composed and clinical performance to overturn the deficit. However, Al Hilal, who were forced to host the match in Libya due to ongoing conflict in Sudan, took full advantage of their adopted home support and experience at this level.

The match began on a competitive note with Police showing composure and good organization in the opening exchanges. Yet, as the first half drew to a close, Hilal began to assert control. Their breakthrough came just before halftime when Nigerian striker Sunday Adetunji powered home a header from a left-wing free kick, sending the home supporters into celebration.

Despite the setback, Police came back strongly after the restart. Their persistence was rewarded when Erick Zakayo slid in to finish off a well-worked move, briefly reigniting hopes of a famous comeback. That goal meant Police were only one strike away from leading on away goals, but Al Hilal quickly steadied themselves.

Adetunji struck again in the 64th minute, meeting Steven Abuela’s precise cross with another composed finish to restore the hosts’ two-goal aggregate cushion. From there, Hilal controlled the tempo and sealed victory with a late third goal to quash any remaining hopes of a Police FC miracle.

For Police, it marked the end of a historic campaign in their maiden appearance at this stage of the CAF Champions League. The team had earned the continental ticket after clinching their first-ever Kenyan Premier League title last season, and despite the exit, they leave with valuable experience and lessons for future campaigns.

Al Hilal, one of Africa’s most consistent performers in continental football, move on to yet another group stage appearance. The draw for this season’s CAF Champions League group stage will take place on November 3, 2025.

With Police now out, Kenya’s remaining hope in continental football rests on Nairobi United, who continue their CAF Confederation Cup journey later today.