- Kenya Police FC new boss Stojanovic begins tenure with victory as his side edge Sofapaka 1-0.
- The match took place at the Police Sacco Stadium on Wednesday, November 5.
- Edward Omondi netted the decisive goal in the first half.
New Kenya Police FC boss Dusan Stojanovic had reason to celebrate on Wednesday, November 5, thanks to a 1-0 SportPesa League victory over Sofapaka in his debut match since his appointment.
The 44-year-old Serbian international was appointed just three days prior to taking the helm for his first official assignment with the reigning Kenya Premier League champions.
Having conducted only one training session on Tuesday, he secured his first three points on Wednesday at the Police Sacco Stadium.
Edward “Ondimo” Omondi netted the decisive goal in the 40th minute of the first half, returning to haunt his former club and scoring his first Premier League goal this season, and his second for the Law Enforcers.
The result was a crucial one for Police, who recently parted ways with their historic coach, Etienne Ndayiragije- the man who delivered their first-ever title in the 24/25 season.
Desperately needing a win to climb out of the relegation zone, the team delivered under their new manager.
Despite having played only four matches (three fewer than most teams who have completed seven), Police climbed to eighth place on the table with eight points.
They remain one of only two sides, alongside AFC Leopards, yet to taste defeat.
For Sofapaka, their former player handed them their third defeat of the campaign, also snapping their three-match unbeaten streak. The loss saw Police leapfrog them into eighth place, with both teams now level on eight points.
The first clear chance at Police Sacco came in the 17th minute when David Okoth’s shot narrowly missed the left corner following a promising build-up from the hosts, as the match remained a cagey affair.
Sofapaka then had their own opportunity two minutes before the half-hour mark. A mistake in Police’s final third allowed Japheth Kazungu to steal possession and deliver a good cross to Joseph Kuloba.
Kuloba had a clear chance but his right-footed shot only found the side netting.
Minutes later, a misplaced hand pass from Job Ochieng was intercepted by Sofapaka, but they squandered this chance as well, with Stanley Lugali failing to convert a cross from Kuloba.
Following Ochieng’s save, the restart was swift. He passed to Tobias Otieno, who unleashed a cross to winger Edward Omondi.
Omondi drove straight into the box on the left wing and fired his shot home for the leading goal, celebrating with muted respect for his former team.
The second half saw fewer dangerous attempts.
Police found the net again in the 60th minute, but the goal was disallowed. Sofapaka’s tactical changes failed to alter the outcome, and they ultimately settled for a loss.
Kenya Police FC vs Sofapaka SportPesa League Line Ups
Kenya Police: Job Ochieng, Daniel Sakari, Aboud Omar, David Ochieng, Brian Okoth, Charles Ouma, Tobias Otieno, Eric Zakayo, David Okoth, Samuel Ayanrinde, Edward Omondi.
Sofapaka: Edward Olak, Vidnedine Ambesa, Shaibu Idrisu, Stephen Bonney, Victor Odiambo, Roy Okal, Japheth Mzungu, Adrian Oloo, Daniel Ng’ang’a, Stanley Lugalia, Joseph Kuloba.