By Michael Kirwa
Kenya Police’s return to Football Kenya Federation Premier League action following their elimination from the 24/25 CAF Confederation Cup did not get off to a desired start after being held 1-1 at home to Tusker FC at the Police Sacco Stadium on Sunday.
Police succumbed to a late equalizer after leading the match from the 19th minute following Marvin Nabwire’s classy opener with substitute Lawrence Luvanda rescuing a point for Tusker with a goal in the 89th minute.
Before Kenya Police broke the deadlock, the match, which kicked off under rainy conditions, was evenly poised with both teams making purposeful efforts to take control of the match.
However, when the breakthrough finally came, it took an error from Tusker and some brilliant team play from Kenya Police to yield the first goal of the match.
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Tusker carelessly lost possession in midfield and from that error, Kenya Police launched an assault on Tusker’s goal with an intricate passing move that culminated in Marvin Nabwire scooping the ball over Tusker goalkeeper Joseph Okoth to give the law enforcers the lead in the 19th minute.
Police continued to threaten after the goal but their efforts to double their lead were thwarted by resolute defending by Tusker, whose defenders threw their bodies in front of every shot and cross.
The brewers, however, ended the first half strongly, launching a series of attacks that although did not culminate with a shot on target, had Kenya Police uncomfortable as they nervously defended their advantage.
The first half ended with the home team leading 1-0 but it was the brewers who started the second half strongly.
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Kenya Police concede late goal
Despite their promising start to the second period, Tusker almost paid for their profligacy when Okoth was forced to deny David Okoth from close range after the winger made good contact with the ball from a Baraka Badi cross in the 55th minute.
As Tusker persisted with their search for an equalizer, it was Kenya Police’s Tyson Otieno who almost decided the contest in favour of the law enforcers in spectacular fashion.
The midfielder, spotting Okoth way out of his area, attempted to lob the goalkeeper from the centre circle and he was unfortunate to see his effort rebound off the crossbar before ricocheting to safety off Okoth’s feet.
It proved to be Kenya Police’s last best chance of the match as with darkness creeping in, Tusker snatched an equalizer in the 89th minute after Collins Odhiambo set up Luvanda whose low shot from the edge of box rolled into the net as it squirmed under Patrick Matasi’s arms.
Neither side could find a winning goal and the match ended 1-1 with Tusker rising to 6th with five points as Kenya Police occupy 15th place with one point.
In the day’s other matches, KCB maintained their lead at the top of table after defeating Ulinzi Stars 1-0 in a 1 pm kick off at the Police Sacco Stadium.
The Soldiers, who are yet to win this season, found themselves slipping to 16th place with just 1 point.
AFC Leopards continue to pile the pressure on the bankers, winning their third match of the season after defeating Nairobi City Stars 2-1 at the Dandora Stadium. The result left Nairobi City Stars 17th with one point.
At the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a, debutants Mara Sugar came from behind to hold their hosts Murang’a Seal to a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams fourth and ninth on the log with seven and four points respectively.
In Mumias, the match between Kakamega Homeboyz and Kariobangi Sharks was rained off with the away team leading 1-0. The remainder of the match is expected to be played on Monday.
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Applicants are urged to submit their applications through www.tujiamini.co.ke