Police regain FKF-PL top spot with win over Mara, Gor held to barren draw

In-form Clinton Kinanga scored the all-important goal in the 56th minute as the law enforcers climbed back to the apex of the top tier league on 36 points, level with Tusker FC but with a superior goal difference.

Police are currently on a roll with their away win in Awendo being their ninth in a row under Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije, who has now registered nine wins and a draw, losing only one since taking over late November.

The win came hot on the heels of another masterstroke act that wrung out a crucial 3-0 win over Bandari FC at Kenyatta Stadium last Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Gor Mahia were held to a goalless draw by determined Kakamega Homeboyz at Mumias Stadium.

The stalemate saw the champions’ title defence ambitions dented as Police FC opened an eight-point gap above the third placed Gor Mahia, who have played one fewer match.

In another Sunday tie, Bandari FC snapped a seven-game winless run to defeat visiting Nairobi City Stars 1-0 at Mbaraki Stadium.

The only goal of the match came from their top scorer this season Beja Nyamawi, who fired from close range to beat City Stars goalkeeper Edwin Mukolwe in the 15th minute.

City Stars had an early opportunity in the eighth minute when Kelvin Etemesi missed a golden chance inside the six-yard box. Etemesi's shot looped over Bandari goalkeeper James Omusinde but went just wide of the crossbar.

A minute later, Bandari’s Nyamawi had a chance to strike but his shot was blocked by defender Timothy Muganda, forcing a corner kick.

Nyamawi made amends in the 15th minute, when he was set up by Izzadin Juma just outside the 18-yard box.

Just before the break, City Stars’ Mohammed Bajaber unleashed a powerful free kick from 40 yards but Omusinde made a comfortable save.

In the second half, Sharif Majambe nearly doubled the hosts lead after connecting with a corner kick from William Wadri but his header went inches wide of the post.

In the 55th minute, Omusinde made a crucial save to deny City Stars an equalizer. After a defensive mix-up, Vincent Owino’s powerful shot from inside the six-yard box was kept out by the keeper’s strong reaction.

Bajaber almost scored directly from City Stars’ first corner of the game with ten minutes left to play, but Omusinde remained alert to secure the win for Bandari.

Bandari head coach Ken Odhiambo praised his team’s performance even as he called for consistency if they are to achieve the season target.

“We thank God for the win. It wasn’t easy; City Stars is a good team and fought hard. But our pep talk on shooting paid off. We’ve been lacking in that area, but Beja stepped up today and secured the three points for us," said Odhiambo.

His opposite number Salim Babu commended his players for their character despite the loss.

“We played well, and I think a draw wouldn’t have been unfair for both teams. We dominated the match and created several chances, but we couldn’t convert them. Now, we are focusing on our next match," he remarked.

Bandari are seventh in the standings on 26 points after 18 rounds while City Stars remain in the relegation zone in 16th on 17 points.