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Kenya Police will be eyeing an advantage in the second-leg against Zamalek as key circumstances could shift momentum.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) have announced that no fans will be allowed at Cairo International Stadium for the second-leg clash between Egypt's Zamalek SC and Kenya Police FC in the CAF Confederation Cup.
This decision, set for Friday, October 20, comes as part of a disciplinary ruling imposed by CAF dealing a potential blow to Zamalek's home advantage.
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17:07 - 14.09.2024
CAF Confederation Cup: Kenya Police fail to utilise their chances to hand Zamalek first leg advantage
Kenya Police failed to make their chances count as Zamalek got one step closer to sealing a CAF Confederation Cup group stage place.
The ruling follows a decision from the CAF Disciplinary Board which has imposed a two-match ban on Zamalek spectators for their upcoming interclub home games.
The ban stems from earlier infractions and means that the passionate Zamalek fanbase, known for creating an intimidating atmosphere at Cairo International Stadium, will be absent as their team seeks to confirm a spot in the group stages of the 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup.
“To impose on Zamalek SC the obligation to play behind closed doors during these four (4) next interclub matches of the CAF as host club for failure to provide the necessary security measures for the match in question as per articles 82,83 and 100 of the CAF Disciplinary Code,” read part of the ruling from CAF.
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07:00 - 19.09.2024
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With the absence of fans, the Kenyan side, Kenya Police FC, may sense an opportunity to capitalize on the quiet stands.
Playing in a stadium that is typically a fortress for Zamalek, the lack of crowd support could shift some of the momentum in favor of the visitors.
As outlined in the CAF and EFA’s joint statement, only a select group of people will be granted access to the match.
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12:45 - 15.09.2024
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These include the players of both teams, officials seated in the technical area, 20 ball boys, 10 members each from the executive committees of Zamalek and Kenya Police, members of the Kenyan embassy in Egypt, and representatives of the Egyptian FA.
Media personnel and TV crew will also be in attendance, with the number of accredited media limited to what is usually seen in similar matches.
This measure ensures that no ordinary fans, neither home nor away supporters, will be allowed to enter the stadium.
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09:30 - 15.09.2024
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Despite the setback of the fan ban, Zamalek SC heads into the match with a slender lead.
The Egyptian champions earned a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, with star midfielder Abdullah Al-Saeed scoring the decisive goal just before halftime at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Al-Saeed’s goal came from a brilliant assist by Ahmed Mustafa Zizo, giving Zamalek a precious away win to take back to Cairo.
This narrow victory puts the White Knights in a favorable position to advance to the group stage of the competition, as they now have the advantage of having scored an away goal.
However, the lack of fan support may make this second leg more challenging than initially expected, as they attempt to hold off a motivated Kenya Police team looking to stage an upset.
Kenya Police will be heading into the second leg knowing that their chances of progression remain alive.
While they failed to score at home, the fact that they only trail by one goal means that an early strike in Cairo could turn the tie in their favor.
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13:00 - 18.09.2024
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The absence of the Zamalek faithful who often act as a "12th man" for their team will give Kenya Police hope that they can pull off a surprise result in a more subdued atmosphere.
Despite the hurdles Zamalek faces with this fan ban, the reigning champions of the African Confederation Cup will be drawing on their experience and success in the competition.
Zamalek claimed the 2023/2024 Confederation Cup title after an intense battle with Moroccan side Renaissance Berkane eventually winning on away goals after a 2-2 aggregate scoreline.
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