Kenya Police reclaim top spot after gritty stalemate against AFC Leopards
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Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 13.12.25. | 18:34
The hard-fought point lifted the defending champions to 21 points, one ahead of second-placed Gor Mahia
Reigning champions Kenya Police FC reclaimed top spot in the FKF Premier League standings after battling AFC Leopards to a goalless draw at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
The hard-fought point lifted the defending champions to 21 points, one ahead of second-placed Gor Mahia.
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Leopards, who came into the clash buoyed by a Mashemeji Derby victory over K’Ogalo, remained sixth but moved to 18 points.
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The match burst into life from the opening whistle, with Ingwe, unchanged from their derby triumph, showing their claws early and asserting their intent.
Inside the opening eight minutes, James Kinyanjui and Tyson Otieno had already tested Job Ochieng on a couple of occasions, forcing the custodian into early action as Leopards signalled their attacking ambition.
In the 10th minute, AFC Leopards kept the pressure mounting, and derby hero Julius Masaba nearly broke the deadlock with a fierce effort from outside the penalty area.
The shot proved too hot to handle for Ochieng, who spilt the ball invitingly into the path of Victor Omune.
However, Abud Omar reacted sharply, throwing his body on the line to deny Omune a strike that would almost certainly have kissed the back of the net.
Leopards continued to surge forward with the hunger of a predator on the hunt, and four minutes later Police nearly became the prey.
Masaba darted down the flank, drawing defenders toward him before picking out Kinyanjui.
The winger controlled neatly and teed up Omune, whose effort was once again spilt by Ochieng.
Yet again, Omar stood tall, clearing the danger in time to prevent a goalmouth scramble.
As the game crossed the 20-minute mark, both sides began to settle, and it was the Law Enforcers who gradually managed to slow Ingwe’s momentum.
From then until the half-hour mark, the contest became a midfield chess contest, with both teams pulling strings but offering little to trouble either goal.
The physical edge soon crept in; the Law Enforcers were the first to enter the referee’s book when David Simiyu was cautioned for a late challenge on Samuel Semo.
Moments later, Taychick Musengo followed suit in the 39th minute after a foul on Kinyanjui.
By the time halftime approached, the match had transformed from an open exchange into a bruising affair, punctuated by frequent stoppages for treatment.
Just before the interval, Brian Ojok underlined the growing tension by picking up the fourth yellow card of the half following a reckless foul on Edward Ondimo.
The resulting free kick marked the final act of the first half as referee Isaac Hamisi blew for the break, sending both sides in with plenty still left to play for.
Police head coach Dusan Stojanović rang the changes at the start of the second half, introducing Erick Zakayo and Tobias Otieno in place of Taychick Musengo and Exauce Misuri in a bid to inject fresh energy.
Despite the reshuffle, it was Leopards who threatened first after the restart, with Omune coming close to breaking the deadlock but failing to apply the final touch.
Police responded almost immediately. David Simiyu’s first meaningful effort forced Humphrey Katasi into a superb reflex save, keeping the contest delicately balanced at 0-0.
The physical edge continued to define the contest.
In the 56th minute, Masaba received the fifth yellow card of the match following a robust challenge on Brian Musa.
Moments later, Police withdrew Simiyu, who was walking a disciplinary tightrope, and introduced Clinton Kinanga.
Referee Hamisi soon reached into his pocket again, this time cautioning Marvin Nabwire for a late challenge.
Leopards also turned to their bench, bringing on Kelly Madada and Brian Wanyama in place of Bonface Munyendo and Otieno as Fred Ambani sought fresh legs.
Clear-cut chances remained scarce as both defences stood firm.
Ingwe earned a promising free kick in the 66th minute, but Samuel Semo’s delivery was safely gathered by Job Ochieng.
Police came agonisingly close moments later when Brian Musa unleashed a thunderous effort from outside the box, forcing Katasi into a full-stretch save to tip the ball out for a corner.
From the resulting sequence, Randy Bakari’s clearance fell kindly to Brian Ojok, whose hesitation allowed Musa another sight of goal, but the danger was eventually averted.
With goals proving elusive, Leopards made a triple change, introducing Hassan Beja, Ronald Bebeto and Victor Otieno while resting Kinyanjui, Masaba and Omune. Police responded by bringing on David Odhiambo for Edward Omondi.
As the clock ticked into the final ten minutes, neither side showed clear dominance, though the referee continued to dominate proceedings as Kinanga picked up the seventh booking of the afternoon.
The closing stages carried a sense of urgency. Leopards probed in search of a breakthrough, but Police held their shape and even forced Katasi into a late save to preserve the stalemate.
Police had a scare in the dying moments when goalkeeper Ochieng rushed off his line and missed the ball, allowing Bebeto to round him. However, swift defensive pressure denied the forward space for either a shot or a decisive pass.
Hamisi’s final whistle came as relief to both camps, with Kenya Police securing a valuable point to return to the summit, while AFC Leopards settled for a share of the spoils in a bruising but disciplined encounter.
