Kenya Police FC end six-match home winless streak with victory over Bandari FC

• Kenya Police FC end six-match home winless streak with a 2-0 triumph over Bandari FC.
• The SportPesa League encounter was staged on Sunday, March 1, at the Police Sacco Stadium.
• Yves Koutiama broke the deadlock in the first half, before Jacques Ndecket sealed the victory with a well-taken header in the second half to secure all three points.

SportPesa League defending champions Kenya Police finally ended their six-match winless streak at home, after flooring Bandari FC 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at the Police Sacco Stadium.

Heading into the clash, the Law Enforcers had drawn five straight home games, with their only defeat in that stretch coming against Shabana in a narrow 1-0 loss.

All they needed was to halt that slump and temporarily break into the top four as they await other results to see if they would swing in their favor.

ALSO READ: Kenya Police FC head coach Nicholas Muyoti blames poor pitch after Bandari loss

Burkina Faso international Yves Koutiama broke the deadlock in the first half, bagging his second consecutive goal after scoring against Sofapaka  while Jacques Ndecket later sealed the deal with his debut strike for the side.

Kenya Police FC end six-match home winless streak with a 2-0 triumph over Bandari FC

Bandari’s shot-stopper Allaine Ngeleka was called into action early, producing a crucial save in the sixth minute to deny Aboud Omar’s curling free kick from the right wing.

The home side kept their foot on the gas, controlling large spells of the opening half.

Their persistence paid off in the 12^th minute. Eric Zakayo pounced on a defensive mishap from Bandari, stole the ball on the left wing, and drove into the box with purpose.

Instead of going for glory, he unselfishly laid off a crispy low cross to Koutiama, who made no mistake firing into the back of the net to give his team an early advantage and notch his sixth goal of the campaign.

Police maintained their grip on the game for the remainder of the half, restricting Bandari from building any meaningful attacks and comfortably carrying their lead into the break.

The second half saw fewer clear-cut opportunities. Koutiama came close to doubling his tally in the 54^th minute after a clever setup from Hernest Malonga, but he failed to convert.

Bandari, in turn, carved out a golden chance in the 62^nd minute Frank Ouya sliced through the Police defense and drove into the box, only to rush his finish and watch Ogembo parry it away.

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Nicholas Muyoti’s charges continued to assert their authority, and their pressure bore fruit in the 75^th minute. A corner from the right wing found Congo international Ndecket, who rose highest to power home a brilliant header from Zakayo’s delivery.

Bandari struggled to find rhythm, particularly in midfield, and aside from Ouya’s missed opportunity, offered little resistance.

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Bernard Mwalala’s side looked disjointed and failed to cope with Police’s dominance, ultimately settling for a loss that felt inevitable.

For Kenya Police, it was a long-awaited return to winning ways at home and three vital points to keep their ambitions alive.

Kenya Police FC vs Bandari FC – SportsPesa League Lineups Round 23

• Kenya Police FC: Daniel Ogembo, Daniel Sakari, Hernest Malonga, Aboud Omar, Jacques Ndecket, Edward Omondi, David Owino, Samuel Quansah, Yves Koutiama, Erick Zakayo, Nana Asante
• Bandari FC: Allaine Ngeleka, Sharrif Majabe, Brian Odera, Joseph Onyango, Rajab Omar, Said Tsuma, Hamisi Mwaphalu, Msagha Darius, Hamza Moubarak, Erisat Orute, Frank Ouya