Towering Police thrash Garde Cotes in CECAFA Kagame Cup debut

Kenya Police FC announced their arrival at the 23rd edition of the CECAFA Kagame Cup in style, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Djibouti’s Garde Cotes FC at the Major Isamuhyo Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

The highly anticipated fixture marked the debut of five new signings for the reigning FKF Premier League champions, including former Harambee Stars defensive rock Joash Onyango, alias the “Wall of Berlin.”

Onyango joined the club from Dodoma Jiji FC, bringing much-needed experience and leadership at the back.

With captain David “Cheche” Ochieng sidelined by a knee injury, Charles Ouma stepped in with the armband and led by example as the team produced a dominant display.

The breakthrough came in the 17th minute, when Erick Zakayo fired home to open the scoring, settling any early nerves for the debutants.

Police doubled their advantage in the 30th minute after Baraka Badi set up David Simiyu, who slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 at halftime.

In the second half, coach Etienne Ndayiragije made several changes, introducing debutants Edward Ondimu (from Sofapaka FC) and Eusters Chasara, alongside Alvin Mang’eni and David Okoth. The substitutions paid off immediately.

In the 64th minute, Baraka Badi unleashed a deflected strike that wrong-footed the keeper to stretch the lead to 3-0.

Just minutes later, debutant Edward Ondimu announced himself with a towering header from a well-delivered cross, sealing the emphatic 4-0 win in the 83rd minute.

The victory not only underlined Kenya Police’s attacking depth but also highlighted their intent to challenge for regional supremacy.

Kenyan clubs have struggled in recent editions of the Kagame Cup, with Tusker FC being the last side from the country to lift the trophy in 2008.

Kenya Police will next face Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars on Friday, 5 September, at 4:00 pm, as they look to continue their march toward regional glory.