Gor Mahia fell 1-0 to South Sudanese club El Merreikh Bentiu in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg at Juba Stadium, South Sudan, on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s other representative in the CAF Interclubs, Kenya Police FC, battled to a goalless draw against Ethiopian Bunna at the same stage in the CAF Confederation Cup at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.

After a goalless first half, Mohammed Musa broke the deadlock for El Merreikh Bentiu in the 64th minute, becoming the first player to score for the club in Africa’s premier club tournament.

K’Ogalo’s efforts to equalize were futile, despite bringing on board the reigning FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player, Austin Odhiambo.

Gor Mahia traveled to Juba with many unanswered questions, including the absence of key players. Harambee Stars full-back Rooney Onyango and winger Musa Masika missed the trip due to a lack of travel documents.

According to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the duo’s passports were detained by the Italian Embassy due to forgery concerns.

Meanwhile, Police FC made their continental football debut. The Law Enforcers earned a berth in the CAF Confederation Cup by winning the FKF Cup last season.

Both Gor Mahia and Kenya Police FC face daunting tasks in the return legs next week as they seek to progress to the next round. Should they advance, Gor Mahia will face record African Champions Al Ahly SC, while Police FC will be up against Al Ahly’s arch-rivals, Zamalek SC.

Kenya Police Bullets FC also started their campaign with a barren draw against Yei Joint Stars from South Sudan.