Defending champions Kenya Police FC were left to rue another missed opportunity in the SportPesa League after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ulinzi Stars, a result that left head coach Nicholas Muyoti questioning his side’s cutting edge and defensive concentration.
Police looked on course to bag all three points after taking the lead in first-half stoppage time. A defence-splitting pass from Tobias Otieno unlocked the Ulinzi backline, releasing Edward Omondi through on goal.
The former Sofapaka forward showed composure, taking a neat first touch before calmly slotting past Sylvain Ricks to hand Police the advantage heading into the break.
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia edge APS Bomet to open a six-point lead at the summit
It was a goal that underlined Police’s attacking intent, but they failed to build on it after the interval.
Ulinzi Stars, coached by Stephen Ochola, emerged from the dressing room with renewed urgency. Their persistence paid off in the 52nd minute when youngster Telena Ochieng produced a moment of brilliance from the left flank.
Spotting goalkeeper Job Ochieng off his line, he unleashed a speculative effort that sailed into the net to level matters and ultimately earn the soldiers a valuable point.
Muyoti frustrated by wastefulness & defensive slip in Kenya Police FC
Speaking after the match, Muyoti did not hide his frustration.
“We played well but did not utilize the chances we got. We conceded an easy goal. I think the player (Telena Ochieng’) wanted to deliver a cross, but he ended up scoring from it. We will pick up from here because we played well, and I think it is just about working on our final third so that we take the chances we create,” said Muyoti.
The tactician pointed to defensive lapses as a key factor behind the equalizer.
“I feel in such a situation players should have closed in to make sure he does not get that ball into our area. The player didn’t have a marker. It is something we need to look at because the general team performance was good and we deserved three points. Such situations are something we have to address in training.
Why would an opponent deliver a cross without any of our players ensuring it doesn’t happen? We were supposed to close in and make sure he doesn’t have a clear look at our goal, which would have forced him to pass instead.”
ALSO READ: Kenya Police FC | Club profile, squad, fixtures, results, standings and transfers
The former Nairobi United head coach also stressed the importance of improved game management, especially when under pressure.
“It is high time for us to know how to manage the field of play. That is very important. In this match, especially in the second half, Ulinzi Stars came in with a power play. We had to make sure they don’t execute that power play by closing in and forcing them not to play the way they wanted.
We should not allow them to string accurate passes together. I think we could have worked on our pressing defensively so we avoid, as much as possible, their crossing and long balls. In terms of play, I feel we can do better and make sure that in the final third we utilize our chances,” he concluded.
The stalemate marked Kenya Police’s ninth draw of the campaign, a statistic that highlights their struggle to convert performances into wins.
They now sit sixth on the table with 30 points, 13 adrift of league leaders Gor Mahia, as the title race
begins to gather pace.