Gor, Tusker look to cash in on slip-up by Kenya Police in league title race 

After playing 27 matches, Police coached by Burundian Etienne Ndayiragije tops the standings with 49 points, one point more than second-placed Tusker who have a game in hand. K’Ogalo are third with 46 points from 25 matches.

Gor Mahia will on Saturday visit Sofapaka at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi, while Tusker welcomes Nairobi City Stars at Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday. 

On Friday, Ulinzi Stars coach, Danstun Nyaudo credited the Police for their crucial win, noting that the law enforcers’ decision to host the match at Ulinzi Sports Complex served as a key motivation for his side. Ulinzi Sports Complex is Ulinzi’s turf. 

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Kenya international Boniface Muchiri scored in the 47th minute of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) match to ease some pressure on Ulinzi while denting the Police’s title chances.

“You cannot bring your home match on our ground and expect to go with it, it is not possible,” said Nyaudo after the match where Police were reduced to 10 men following a second booking on Baraka Badi.

“That alone intimidated our players so much because we are playing here and we are away. That was one of the talking points that we got to motivate our players to give the results,” he continued.

While the victory ended Ulinzi’s five-match winless run in the FKF-PL, it marked only the second defeat of the year for Police. Ulinzi who have won just seven matches, are 12th with 31 points. 

While the soldiers dominated the first half, they failed to translate their performance into goals. After the break, Muchiri - who had looked dangerous throughout the match – found the back of the net after connecting to Yakeen Muteheli’s brilliant cross. Nyaudo said maintaining possession in the match worked to their advantage. 

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“I watched Police in Machakos against Kapenguria United (Mozzart Bet Cup) and we realized that they were playing a lot of long balls, so we majored so much in keeping the ball and that is what gave us this win,” said Nyaudo, adding that they aim to build on that win as they target to finish higher than last season’s 13th position.

Nyaudo singled out their attack as the main area they need to work on. 

Police coach Ndayiragije admitted that they were the second-best side in the match, adding that missing key players including midfielder Mohammed Bajaber took a toll on his side. But he is not giving up yet on the title race.

“If there is an opportunity to progress, I cannot give up because you do not know what will happen in tomorrow’s matches. We must soldier on,” said the Burundian.

Following the loss to Rangers, Leopards have now not won in their last six matches. They are seventh with 37 points from 26 matches. Rangers are 14th with 28 points. 

Friday’s results:

Kenya Police 0 Ulinzi Stars 1

Posta Rangers 1 AFC Leopards 0

Saturday’s fixtures:

Sofapaka v Gor Mahia (Dandora Stadium, Nairobi - 3pm)

Mara Sugar v KCB FC (Awendo Green Stadium, Migori - 2pm)

Bandari v Kakamega Homeboyz (Mbaraki Sports Club, Mombasa - 3pm)

Sunday fixtures:

Bidco United v Mathare United (Kenyatta, Machakos - 1pm)

FC Talanta v Shabana (Dandora, Nairobi - 3pm)

Tusker v Nairobi City Stars (Kenyatta, Machakos - 4pm)

Murang’a Seal v Kariobangi Sharks (Sportpesa Arena, Murang’a - 3pm)