Kenya Police FC have called on Kenyans to turn up in large numbers, and rally behind the team when they host Somalia’s Mogadishu City Club in the return leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round of at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
The appeal comes after last Saturday’s first leg clash at the same venue where Mogadishu City’s supporters outnumbered the Police fans. Police won the match 3-1.
“When we were playing against Mogadishu, you saw the stadium was filled with their supporters. This time we are the home team, so we would like to ask all Kenyans who are around to come and support us because it is a big match for us,” said Kenya Police FC captain David Ochieng “Cheche”.
“If we progress to the next round, we urge them (fans) to keep coming because without them, it can be very tough for us. Their support is very important to us,” added the experienced defender.
Mogadishu City hosted the match in Nairobi due to the security situation in Somalia. Kenya is home to thousands of Somalis, which explains their huge turnout at Nyayo during the first-leg encounter.
However, a section of the Magadishu supporters has come under scrutiny for their unruly behaviour during the match.
When forward Adan Yusuf struck the equalizer for Mogadishu City in the 50th minute, two of the club’s fans invaded the pitch, prompting a chase by the stewards.
Also witnessed during the match was commotion in the stands where the Somali fans were seated, with some seemingly brawling. At one point a medical personnel was called to attend to an injured fan from the section.
In one of the trending videos, two fans of Mogadishu City were filmed disrespecting the Kenyan flag - one throwing a miniature flag on the ground and kicking it, his accomplice grabbed it and rubbed it on his groin. In another video, another Mogadishu City fan is recorded gliding on stadium seats before snatching the Kenyan flag from another spectator and throwing it on the ground.
The images have sparked condemnation among Kenyans, with Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja promising to apprehend the fans. One of them, a 17-year-old man, was nabbed on Thursday.
“The Director of the Directorate Criminal Investigation is under direct instruction from the Inspector General, none-other than Douglas Kanja Kirocho that he must move with speed and efficiency and ensure that that man is arrested and taken to a court of law. Our flag must be respected by everyone,” said Kanja on Wednesday.
On the same day, Mogadishu City Club released a statement apologising to the government and the people of Kenya over the incident.
“Such behaviour has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that this competition represents,” the statement read.
“We fully support any appropriate action by the Kenyan authorities against those involved. We also urge our fans – especially the younger generation (Gen Z) - to always respect all nations, their flags, and their people. Football is a game of unity, love, and mutual respect. We call on all supporters to uphold these values and help keep our communities together in peace and harmony,” it added.
Somalia's ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, also issued an apology on Wednesday. “Let me state clearly that we regret and firmly condemn the action of a few individuals whose behavior overshadowed the remarkable performances of our two teams,” said Abdulle.
“Such incidents do not reflect the values of respect, friendship, and shared sovereignty that guide the relationship between the two countries,” he added.
