Jesse Were netted the third goal for Police FC, helping them ascend to the top of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League table as they demolished Bandari FC 3-0 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on Wednesday afternoon.
Thanks to two earlier goals from Marvin Nabwire, who scored the first goal in the first half, followed by Clinton Kinanga’s strike before the break.
The win means Etienne Ndayiragije’s side has gone unbeaten in their last nine matches, claiming three crucial points that have propelled them to the summit of the standings with 33 points.
Although they are tied with Tusker FC on points, Police FC have a superior goal difference (+13) compared to the Brewers.
On the other hand, Ken Odhiambo’s team has now gone seven matches without a win, leaving them in seventh place with 23 points.
However, they could drop further down the table if AFC Leopards manage to surpass KCB in their todays match.
Both head coaches made adjustments to their starting lineups in pursuit of these vital three points.
Etienne, made two changes: Abud Omar was replaced by Baraka Badi, and Clinton Kinanga took Alfred Leku’s place.
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Meanwhile, Odhiambo made five changes from the team that faced Shabana, bringing in Hassan Abdallah, Sharrif Majabe, Joseph Otieno, and Alvin Ngoto for Brian Odera, Mwaphalu Hamisi, Beja Nyamawi, and Wadri William.
Bandari FC had a dangerous opportunity in the sixth minute when William Gitamu delivered a cross into the box that fell to Izzadin Ramadhan. His left-footed shot was saved by Job Ochieng, denying the visitors an early lead.
Just three minutes later, Marvin Nabwire broke the deadlock with a well-timed header from David Okoth’s cross, followed by a composed finish outside the box to score his fifth goal of the season for Police FC.
Police doubled their lead in the 19th minute thanks to a brilliant pass from Brian Musa, who found Clinton Kinanga. Kinanga calmly struck the ball into the net, giving the law enforcers a commanding 2-0 lead.
In the 37th minute, Bandari were forced to make an early substitution as William Gitamu was replaced by John Macharia.
Prior to this, Bandari had already made two other changes to strengthen their squad, bringing on Beja Nyamawi and Brian Odera for Alvin Ngoto and Hamisi Abdallah.
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Daniel Sakari nearly extended Police’s lead even further, but his shot went just wide, resulting in a goal kick.
Aside from Izzadin’s attempt in the sixth minute, Ken Odhiambo’s side did not generate any further threatening attacks, allowing Police to head into the break with a two-goal advantage.
In the second half, Beja Nyamawi could have pulled one back for Bandari, but his shot was saved by Job Ochieng minutes in the second half.
Alfred Leku had the chance to seal the game for Police in the 81st minute, but was unable to reach the ball in time, resulting in a goal kick for Bandari.
In the 84th minute, substitute Jesse WERE sealed the win for Police FC, scoring the third goal of the match—his first of the season since joining the club earlier in the campaign.
Police took full advantage of their opportunities, securing three valuable points, while Bandari squandered the few chances they had.
The visitors will now regroup as they prepare for their next encounter against Nairobi City Stars on Sunday.
