A last-minute strike from substitute Paul Kinyanjui handed Kenya Police FC their first defeat after 13 unbeaten matches, as Mathare United secured a 1-0 victory at the Dandora Stadium on Thursday afternoon in the FKFPL Midweek fixture.
The law enforcers, who needed three points to extend their lead to five points at the top of the table with 44 points, were unable to assert their dominance over the Slum Boys.
From the very first minutes, Mathare looked like the more determined side, pressing for an early goal. And Just in the 3rd minute, they nearly took the lead when Donald Ange exchanged passes neatly with Fidel Otieno inside the area before hitting the upright.
Ian Omondi followed up with another dangerous attempt, but Police goalkeeper Job Ochieng was on hand, trying to protect his goal and deny the home side, as he continued to help the team, despite ultimately conceding, and missing out on their 15th clean sheet of the season.
In the 18th minute, Mathare were forced to make an early substitution, with Brian Ouru replacing the injured Derrick Anami.
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Police’s first significant attempt came in the 27th minute when Alvin Mangeni drove a shot from inside the penalty area.
However, Michael Wanyika cleared the effort off the line, and the game remained a tense and cagey affair.
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A few minutes later, Police were nearly gifted a goal after several defensive miscommunications from Mathare, but Wanyika and Cetric Asango were able to clear the danger.
Mathare, despite dominating possession in the first half, could not capitalize on their chances, and the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
At the start of the second half, John Kamau was forced to make another substitution as Starlon Odhiambo replaced Erickson Mulu, who had been forced off with an injury.
Wanyika continued his heroics in the 51st minte, making a crucial save to deny David Simuyu a chance and kept the game scoreless.
Coach Etienne Ndayiragije also made fresh changes, bringing on Brian Musa for David Okoth, and introducing David Irishura, Timmy Oyando, and Erick Zakayo for David Simiyu, Daniel Musamali, and Oliver Mangeni.
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In the 83rd minute, Mathare had another opportunity when Donald Ange pressed a Police defender, won the ball near the halfway line, and surged toward goal.
However, with only the goalkeeper to beat, the forward fluffed his lines and squandered the chance to break the deadlock.
After relentless pressure throughout the match, Kamau’s substitution proved to be a masterstroke.
In the 90th minute, Paul Kinyanjui, who had replaced Elli Asieche in the 73rd minute, finally broke the deadlock, sealing the win for Mathare United.
This victory was especially sweet, as it avenged their 2-0 defeat to Police in the first leg.
The fate of Kenya Police’s top spot will now hinge on next week’s match, when second-place Tusker, with 39 points, take on Shabana at the Kenyatta Stadium.
Should Tusker win, they will leapfrog Police and claim the top spot with 42 points.
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