Red hot Elvis Rupia bags hat-trick as Police thump Tusker

A first half hat-trick by the red-hot Elvis Rupia sealed a fifth win of the season for Kenya Police as the Law Enforcers ran over Tusker 3-0 at the Kasarani Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

Rupia netted thrice inside the opening twenty minutes of the encounter to see his side return to winning ways having lost 1-0 to AFC Leopards on Wednesday. 

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The forward who has been on top of his game from the time coach Francis Baraza took over the reigns becomes the seventh player to net a hat-trick in the campaign. 

While Police will be glad to have returned to winning ways following the result, Tusker, on the other hand have now tasted defeat twice and have slumped to the third place as well. 

Matano faulted his players for the sluggish start in the game, noting that it allowed Police to control the proceedings and secure maximum points.

"We played poorly especially in the first half.We tried to stage a comeback in the second half but unfortunately, the damage had already been done. The route to winning the title is never a smooth one. We have to keep our heads high and continue working," he said.

Francis Baraza on the other hand was glad to have inspired his team back to winning ways and Rupia's sharp shooting prowess.

Rupia made good use of his might to bulldoze through the Tusker defence in the second minute before slotting the ball past Brian Bwire to open the scores. 

The former Nzoia Sugar forward bullied Charles Momanyi who had an afternoon to forget as the burly forward caused him all manner of problems with his pace and power, before driving the ball to the farthest corner. 

Tusker almost replied as Rodgers Ouma whipped a freekick from the edge of the box, forcing a fingertip save from Job Ochieng. 

Before Tusker could reorganize themselves and level matters, Rupia kissed the back of the net in the 15th minute, plundering home the ball from close range after Clifton Miheso found him with a well weighted cut back. 

Before the second goal, Ochieng had had his name taken by centre referee Felix Ekai for time wasting as the youthful custodian took his sweet time in restarting the ball. 

Rupia, once again used his power to his advantage, pulling the trigger inches off the box in the 17th minute to seal his hat-trick. 

With Police knocking on their door incessantly, Tusker boss Robert Matano instructed three attack minded arsenals to proceed to the warm up zone in a bid to challenge those on pitch to step up. 

Exasperated with the sluggish display, Matano made double changes in the 33rd minute, throwing in Shaphan Siwa and Deogratious Ojok for Jimmy Mbugua and Erick Zakayo respectively. 

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Tusker were slightly stable upon resumption for the final half as they managed to contain Police without making costly errors unlike in the first half. 

Although Police managed to invade the area, the clustered legs coupled by saves from Bwire had an effective damage control for Tusker who barely tested the Police custodian.

Elsewhere, Talanta struck late to rescue a point following their 1-1 draw against Posta Rangers at Thika Stadium.

Tusker

Brian Bwire, Boniface Onyango, Charles Momanyi, Kalos Kirenge, Daniel Sakari, Jimmy Mbugua (Shaphan Siwa 33), Humphrey Mieno, Rodgers Ouma, Erick Zakayo (Deogratious Ojok 33) , John Njuguna (Stewart Omondi 73), Ibrahim Joshua (David Majak 73)

Unused substitutes 

Patrick Matasi, Tom Teka, David Odoyo, Kevin Monyi, Lawrence Luvanda

Kenya Police 

Job Ochieng, Musa Mohamed, Harun Shakava, Eric Juma, David Owino, Marvin Nabwire (Charles Ouma 75), Patilah Omoto, Duke Abuya, Francis Kahata, Clifton Miheso (Alvin Mang'eni 75) , Elvis Rupia (David Simiyu 75)

Unused substitutes 

Bonphas Munyasa, Yusuf Mainge, Silicho Soita, Kelvin Ouma, Clinton Kinanga, Lesley Owino, Eric Kipkirui John Ndirangu,