Kenya Police FC made it two wins in a row under Raphael Pilato after edging Shabana FC 1-0 in the SportPesa League Round Five on Monday evening in Nakuru.
The result handed Shabana their first defeat of the season, while giving the Law Enforcers another boost following their recent win over Ulinzi Stars.
The Frenchman took charge ahead of last week’s midweek fixture following the departure of Nicholus Muyoti and has made a promising start, winning both of his first two games without conceding a goal.
Brian Otieno scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute before being forced off with an injury in the same half.
However, his stunning strike from outside the 18-yard box proved enough to hand Shabana their first defeat of the season under Ahmed Fathi, while extending their winless run to four games.
ALSO READ: SportPesa League: Shabana held by Migori Youth as both sides extend draw runs
The visitors started on the front foot and nearly took the lead just three minutes into the match. Edward Omondi, making good use of the space on the left, went for goal with a left-footed effort, but his shot drifted just wide.
Kenya Police didn’t have to wait long to find the breakthrough, though. In the 17th minute, Brian Otieno picked up a lovely pass from Samwel Quasa on the right, drove towards the edge of the box and fired a brilliant shot into the bottom-right corner to put Police ahead.
Shabana gradually took control of the game but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
Their clearest opportunity came when Brian Michira attempted to volley a possible cross inside the box, but the ball travelled towards goal, where Job Ochieng reacted well to collect it and avert the danger.
Around the half-hour mark, Pilato was forced into an early change after goalscorer Otieno, was stretchered off with an injury.
Erick Zakoyo came on in his place and went close to doubling Police’s advantage in the closing minutes of the first half.
Shabana returned for the second half in search of an equaliser and a possible winner. Despite creating opportunities, however, they struggled to breach a resolute Police defence that stood firm and denied the hosts the chance to make their openings count.
Shabana will now regroup as they seek to bounce back on Saturday when they visit Mombasa United, while Kenya Police will take on Kakamega Homeboyz on the same day.
Tusker bounce back as 3K FC stage comeback
Elsewhere, Tusker FC returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-1 victory over Mara Sugar at SportPesa Arena. Eric Kapaito, Fabian Adkiny and Stephen Omondi were all on target for the Brewers, while Mara Sugar’s consolation came through an own goal.
At the Police Sacco Stadium, 3K FC came from behind to beat Posta Rangers 2-1 and secure their second-ever win in the SportPesa League.
Mark Shaban had given the Mailmen the lead, but Sally Aly brought 3K FC level with a brilliant strike before Daniel Wabwire completed the comeback to seal all three points.
Shabana FC vs Kenya Police FC Lineups – SportPesa League Round 5
- Shabana FC: Pavelh Ndzila, Brian Bett, James Mazembe, George Onynago, Herbert Sanday, Byron Otieno, Brian Ogutu, Kevin Omundi, Hafiz Alhassan, Sigmunn Maina, Brian Michira.
- Kenya Police FC: Job Ochieng, Braka Badi, Emmanuel Erupe, Klevin Ouma, Christopher Quattara, Brian Mzee, Victor Haki, Samwel Quasa, Elvis Rupia, Brian Chonjo, Edward Omondi.
SportPesa League Round 5 Monday collated results
