Industrious Mohammed salvages point for City Stars against Kenya Police

Nineteen year old Omar Mohammed made a strong statement of intent on Tuesday evening as he scored a crucial goal to salvage a point for his Nairobi City Stars side in a 1-1 draw against Kenya Police during their opening fixture in the Elite pre-season Pool B tournament played at Kasarani Annex.

Around the 64th minute, the highly rated youngster, who secured a trial with three-time Danish champions FC Midtjylland back in August 2021, capitalized on a goalkeeping blunder by Job Ochieng to punish the law enforcers as the two sides shared the spoils.

The former Mathare United custodian had gotten off his line to try and deal with a cross floated in the area but his tame clearance landed straight on Mohammed's feet, the Star field academy graduate keeping his composure before slotting in the bottom corner for the point saving goal.

"We had some new faces in the team and I must admit they played really well in the game. The process of gelling is still going on and I hope we will get even better in the next match," City Stars head coach Nicholas Muyoti said.

Kenya Police on the other hand were left to rue chances not taken and leaving it late in the game before they started pushing for the equalizer.

Just before the half time break, Harambee Stars talented midfielder Francis Kahata had given the law enforcers the lead as he sneaked between City Stars towering defenders to power a header past Steve Njunge in goal.

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Despite the draw head coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo was left happy with the performance his side put in the match.

"It would have been a bonus if we got all three points but I am not concerned so much about that. This squad I used today is how I will be playing and I think they put in a good shift. Our goalkeeper should have done better with their goal but we move on," he said.

In the last ten minutes of the game, Police drove fowards in search of what would be a potential winner but wasteful finishing combined with City Stars hearty defense rescued a point.

City Stars will next take on MCF on Thuesday as Police battle Ulinzi Stars on the same day.

Starting XI

Nairobi City Stars

1. Steve Njunge 2. Masawa Calvins 3. Dennis Wanjala 4. Timothy Oduor 5. Elly Osotsi 6. Clifford Otieno 7. Kelvin Etemesi 8. Peter Opiyo 9. Kapeni Samuel 10.Newton Ochieng 11. Omar Mohammed

Kenya Police

1. Jacob Ochieng 2. Baraka Badi 3. David Owino 4. Harun Shakava 5. Musa Mohammed 6. Marvin Nabwire 7. David Okoth 8. Patillah Omotto 9.David Simiyu 10. Francis Kahata 11. Duke Abuya