Kenya Police FC secured their second win of the season in a hard-fought match against Nairobi City Stars on Wednesday afternoon, narrowly defeating them 3-1 at the Dandora Stadium.
This win ended their five-match winless streak that had lasted since August 24th, where they picked up a 2-0 win over Mathare United
Clinton Kinanga broke the deadlock to give Police the lead, but Yuto Kusaba equalized for City Stars. However, Marvin Nabwire restored the Law Enforcers’ advantage, and Eric Zakayo, who came on as a substitute, sealed the win with a third goal.
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The victory lifted Police from 18th place to 13th with 11 points, though they still have three games in hand, which could see them move further up the table.
On the other hand, the loss saw Nairobi City Stars drop from 15th to 16th, still with 11 points, comprising three wins, two draws, and six losses.
After suffering his first defeat against AFC Leopards last Sunday, Ndayiragije Etienne made several changes to his starting lineup. Patrick Matasi, who was benched against Ingwe, replaced Job Ochieng in goal.
Daniel Sakari started at right back in place of Edagn Baraka, while the goal scorer Clinton Kinanga was included in the first eleven, replacing David Simiyu.
Nairobi City Stars made their first attempt in the fifth minute with a cross into the box by Rodgers Obusu, but the ball went wide. Five minutes later, Yuto Kusaba tried his luck with a shot on target, but Matasi made the save.
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Edwin Mukolwe made a crucial save in the 13th minute to deny Police an early goal, but his efforts could not stop Clinton Kinanga’s shot in the 15th minute, which gave Police the lead. After several more attempts by Nairobi City Stars, Kusaba equalized in the 36th minute, with Mohammed Ali providing the assist.
However, just moments after City Stars’ celebration, Marvin Nabwire restored Police’s lead, ending the first half with a 2-1 advantage.
Nicholas Muyoti made his first substitution in the 47th minute, bringing on Tomithy Muganda to replace Wycliffe Omondi. Both teams battled in the second half, with Police searching for a third goal while City Stars aimed to equalize and possibly grab a winner.
Etienne made two changes of his own, introducing Erick Zakayo and Tyson Otieno for David Okoth and Francis Kahata, respectively, in an effort to strengthen the midfield and create more chances. However, the substitutions did not have an immediate impact.
Muyoti made another change in the 71st minute, replacing Rodgers Obusu with Etemesi Kelvin after Obusu’s unsuccessful attempts on goal. Yuto Kusaba was also substituted, with Vincent Owino taking his place.
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Etemesi nearly made an impact in the 85th minute, firing a shot on goal, but Matasi was quick to make the save, denying City Stars an equalizer.
Etienne’s substitution paid off in added time when Tyson Otieno provided a brilliant assist to Eric Zakayo, who slotted the ball into the net in the 90+2 minute to seal the 3-1 victory for Police.
Nairobi City Stars continued to search for an equalizer, but Police’s defense held firm, and the match ended 3-1 in favor of Kenya Police FC.
Kenya Police FC will now prepare to host Mara Sugar on Saturday, while Nairobi City Stars will take on Murang’a Seals at home.
