FKFPL: Omondi returns to haunt Sofapaka as Police maintain unbeaten run

Edward Omondi returned to haunt his former club as his goal gave defending league champions Kenya Police a 1-0 victory over Sofapaka at the Police Sacco Grounds on Wednesday, 5 November.

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Omondi, who scored nine goals for Batoto Ba Mungu in his debut top-flight season last term, was on target in the 40th minute to get off the mark, and give new coach Dusan Stojanovic a flying start to his managerial reign at Police.

Stojanovic, 44, was roped in at the side on Sunday, 2 November, following the sacking of outgoing manager Etienne Ndayiragije days earlier.

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Having rightly dominated the buildup to the afternoon game, it was one of his two changes from the Posta stalemate that made the difference, Omondi rounding off a quick breakaway to calmly slot in past Edward Olak, and raise his arms in muted celebration.

The result, which was also characterized by poor finishing from Sofapaka, ensured Kenya Police remained unbeaten after four games - seven including last season - their second win lifting them a place over their opponents into eighth, having amassed eight points.

Sofapaka, having played seven matches, remained on a similar tally as Kenya Police, but with an inferior goal difference.

Match Report

With Serbian man Stojanovic in-charge for his first game since his Sunday appointment, all eyes were on the style he would implement at Police, and the early signs looked promising.

The man, who ended SC Villa’s drought across the border, made two changes to his lineup, bringing on Omondi and Daniel Sakari for Exauce Misuri and Baraka Badi respectively.

The two new entrants, in hindsight, produced a solid display, even as the hosts started brightly, but were forced to cede possession and grind out a win at the end.

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Foreign import Samuel Ayandrinde was the first man to threaten the Sofapaka goal inside nine minutes, but saw his shot fall wide, as was the case for David Okoth, who flashed his effort across goal despite being in a favored position to score.

Sofapaka, days from their demolition of Nairobi United, were not short of belief and attacking intent, and will rue missed opportunities that fell on Joseph Kuloba - who hit the side netting in the 28th minute - and Adrian Oloo, who despite being in acres of space, shot straight at Job Ochieng.

The nature of the game is that chances missed on one end most likely cost you on the other, and so it proved as Omondi rounded off a quick counter for the opener, seconds after Stephen Bonney had stung Ochieng with a long-range effort.

Omondi, cognizant of his roots, raised his arms almost wishing he did not punish his former side, but it was his composure and effectiveness that provided the platform for Police’s stingy defence in the second half.

Sofapaka, a team full of runners, dominated much of the ball in the period, but in front of them, stood a wall yet to concede a goal this season.

Ochieng was alert to everything, and so was the duo of David Ochieng and Brian Okoth.

Olak, on the other end, was strikingly more busy, repelling a rocket from Abud Omar and multiple strikes from Okoth to keep his side in the game.

It was Police’s day, however.