FKF Premier League: Kenya Police raid KCB to dislodge Tusker at the summit

Photo Credit - Kenya Police FC.

Kenya Police FC assumed leadership of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League table following a 2-1 comeback victory against KCB on Saturday.

The Law Enforcers went into the fixture knowing that a win would take them to the top of the 18-team league table, with Tusker facing Mathare United on Sunday.

It was not a smooth sailing for Police, as the Bankers shocked them with an early lead against the run of play. With only seven minutes played, KCB scored the opener when Patrick Otieno drilled home from close range.

The goal stunned Police, who reacted quickly to get the leveller as a KCB defender turned into his own net, while trying to clear a dangerous cross from a corner. KCB were forced into an early change after Brian Opiyo was substituted for Bonphas Munyasa following a serious injury after colliding with the post in the midst of the visitors' equaliser.

Despite Police looking the better side, at half-time it was 1-1. At the start of the second period, Police made a double change, Clinton Kinanga and Brian Musa coming out for Marvin Nabwire and David Simiyu.

The changes proved the difference as five minutes after coming on, Simiyu scored what turned out to be the winner after slotting home a cross from Nabwire. In the 70th minute, Police made another change, David Okoth coming on for Duncan Okoth. Another double substitution followed with Alvin Mangeni and Eric Zakayo withdrawn for Tyson Otieno and Kenneth Muguna.

However, neither team was able to score as Police held on to register their 14th victory of the campaign and move top with 52 points from 28 outings. They have managed 14 wins, ten draws and suffered four defeats. They are just one point ahead of the Brewers.

Meanwhile, KCB stayed sixth with 41 points from ten wins, 11 draws and seven defeats. Elsewhere, Shabana maintained their push for the title following a deserved 2-0 victory against bottom-placed Nairobi City Stars at Dandora Stadium.

Despite dominating proceedings from the onset, Tore Bobe were forced to wait until the second half to break the deadlock. Keith Imbali, who joined the side from Kariobangi Sharks, scored the opener in the 52nd minute before Darius Msagha grabbed the second in the 71st minute.

The win enabled Shabana to keep their fourth spot with 46 points garnered from 12 wins, ten draws and six defeats and they are now six points behind leaders Police. For the Simba wa Nairobi, they remained rooted at the bottom and look likely to be relegated with only 24 points from 28 matches.

Meanwhile, AFC Leopards put aside their recent poor run of results to defeat Bidco United 3-1. Ingwe went into the fixture determined to get a win for their disappointed fans, and it took them only one minute to strike through Raboama Kaloti.

Kaloti was at hand yet again to slot home the second in the eighth minute before Simon Abuko reduced the deficit for Bidco United. Ingwe grabbed the third in the 28th minute courtesy of Kennedy Owino to register their tenth win of the season.

AFC Leopards are now fifth with ten wins, 11 draws and seven defeats, while Bidco dropped to 16th, one place above the relegation zone, with 27 points accumulated from five wins, 12 draws and 11 defeats.

Saturday results:

AFC Leopards SC 3-1 Bidco United

Nairobi City Stars 0-2 Shabana FC

Kariobangi Sharks 1-2 Bandari FC

Posta Rangers 3-2 Murang'a Seal

KCB FC 1-2 Police FC