M. KisengeFKFPL: Police extend fine run under Babu after edging Nzoia
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 21.01.24. | 17:17
Titus Okello scored a brace to extend the law enforcers winning streak
Kenya Police renaissance under coach Salim Babu continued on Sunday after shooting down a coach-less Nzoia Sugar 2-0 at the Police Sacco Stadium.
Babu took over the reigns late last year, succeeding his sacked boss Zdravko Logarusic whose marriage with the law enforcers hit the rocks after a short while.
Police have a one hundred percent record under Babu with their win over Nzoia being their third in as many matches under the soft-spoken tactician.
While Babu is drawing positives for injecting rhythm and good vibes on the Police side, the same can not be said on his former club as the sugarmen went into the clash without a substantive head coach.
This is after Godfrey Oduor who had been in charge from the time the season kicked off was reportedly suspended in wake of the clubs poor run.
In the absence of Oduor, Biko Otere took charge with team manager John Muraya occasionally offering technical advice whenever called upon to.
As anticipated, Police had the lions share of possession and enjoyed spells of dominance as well as created better scoring opportunities as opposed to the visitors.
The rock-solid human wall erected by Nzoia worked overtime and frustrated efforts by the law enforcers to break the deadlock.
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It wasn't an entirely one-sided affair as Nzoia made some pretty decent build-ups but lack of cutting edge in the final third was evident as getting the ball past the duo of Musa Mohamed and David Ochieng wasn't to come by.
Versatile Nzoia player Salim Murunga who was deployed in midfield, as opposed to central defence, his preferred position did well in progressing the ball but wasn't getting much support.
Nzoia were forced into an unwanted substitution in the first half after Elisha Wekesa who was a source of concern for the Police fullback suffered an injury.
Police had the easiest way of taking the lead after the centre referee John Sulwe pointed to the spot following a foul committed in the area by the Nzoia goalkeeper Fred Shiundu.
South Sudanese forward Tito Okello would step up and convert the free hit in the 36th minute, sending Shiundu the wrong way for his first of the day.
The former Gor Mahia man would complete his double in the four minutes later, whipping the ball hard from close range.
The two goals within a space of four minutes at the end proved to be what Police required to register their eighth win of the campaign.
The win is one that left Babu happy with his players whom he challenged to keep the fire burning.
“The results we have secured in the last three matches reflect the hard work we have been putting in. The aim is to maintain the good run,” he said.
With Gor set to face Police in their next game, coach Johnathan McKinstry spared time to watch the law enforcers game against Nzoia.
His presence on the pitch and his take-homes from the duel, don’t bother Babu at all.
“That’s a different game which will have a new approach,” he stated.
Nzoia put in a decent shift in the second half but were not sharp enough to cut through the defence and salvage at least a point from the game.
In the end, coach Otere felt that the two quick successive goals disrupted their plan and somehow, killed their morale.
"We gave a good account of ourselves, especially in the second half. Unfortunately, we conceded two quick goals that disjointed our plan," he said.
FKF PREMIER LEAGUE - WEEK 19
FRIDAY
Sofapaka - Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 (0-0)
/Msagha 85/
SATURDAY
Bandari -Kariobangi Sharks 2-2 (1-1)
/U. Kasumba 45+2, S. Nahimana 75- P. Ngunyi 6, I. Wasambo 81/
Shabana -Ulinzi Stars 0-1 (0-1)
/M. Masuta 1/
Gor Mahia - Tusker 1-0 (1-0)
/A. Odhiambo 20/
KCB -Muhoroni Youth 0-0 (0-0)
SUNDAY
Kenya Police - Nzoia Sugar 2-0 (2-0)
/Okello 36,40/
AFC Leopards - Nairobi City Stars 2-0 (0-0)
/M. Otieno 47, A. Kimani 72/
Talanta - Bidco United 3-5 (1-2)
/Wafula 38, Kuta 90 - Michibu 23, Kelwish 24, Opondo 53, Agoffa 56, Juma 82/
