Kenya Police FC held to goalless draw by Ulinzi Stars in SportPesa Premier League opener

Kenya Police FC in action against Ulinzi Stars at Police Sacco Grounds. (Photo: X/Ulinzi Stars)

By Erick Kariuki
Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Having just returned from CAF Champions League duty, Police were looking to mark their first league appearance with a win, but Ulinzi Stars proved stubborn opponents in a cagey yet entertaining affair.

Kenya Police FC began their 2025/26 SportPesa Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Ulinzi Stars at Police Sacco Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Having just returned from CAF Champions League duty, Police were looking to mark their first league appearance with a win, but Ulinzi Stars proved stubborn opponents in a cagey yet entertaining affair.

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Police had the brighter start, with Edward “Ondimo” Omondi nearly capitalising on a defensive lapse in the 2nd minute before Eusters Chasara whipped in a cross that Omondi failed to connect with. Moments later, Marvin Nabwire came close twice, first with a header from a set piece and then from open play, but both attempts sailed wide.

Ulinzi slowly grew into the game, Boniface Muchiri leading their attacks with his trademark runs down the flank. He forced Police goalkeeper Job Ochieng into a fine stop before captain David Ochieng rescued Police with a crucial goal-line clearance after Muchiri’s fierce strike hit the post.

The second half was an even contest, with substitutions adding fresh energy. Police’s David Wamalwa and Eric Zakayo combined well after coming on but failed to find the finishing touch, Zakayo eventually blazing over late in the game.

On the other end, Ulinzi substitute John Omuse was a constant threat, twice denied by Ochieng in goal. Captain Brian Birgen also went into the referee’s book as tempers flared in the closing stages.

Both goalkeepers, Police’s Job Ochieng and Ulinzi’s Stephen Ricks, produced crucial saves to ensure the deadlock remained unbroken, with the match ending in a stalemate.

Elsewhere, newly-promoted Nairobi United marked their Premier League debut in style, edging Mara Sugar 1-0 at Green Stadium, Awendo, courtesy of a resilient defensive display and a vital strike from Ovella Ochieng that secured their first three points. Tusker FC, meanwhile, were held to a 0-0 draw by Mathare United at Dandora Stadium.

Meanwhile, SportPesa Premier League newcomers APS Bomet FC have confirmed Kericho Green Stadium as their official home ground for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.

The club announced the move in an official communication to fans and stakeholders, noting that the stadium will serve as their fortress as they look to stabilise after a difficult start to life in the top flight.

“Kericho Green Stadium has been approved as our official home ground for the remainder of the season. We look forward to hosting our matches at this iconic venue and invite all our supporters to turn up in numbers, as always, to cheer on the team,” read the statement from APS Bomet management.

The Bomet-based outfit, promoted earlier this year, has endured a tough introduction to the league, suffering defeats in both of their opening matches, including scoring into their own net on both occasions. They will now be looking to turn the tide when they host defending champions Kenya Police FC in their third league fixture at Kericho.

Despite the rocky start, APS Bomet have urged fans to rally behind the team, emphasising that “unwavering support remains our greatest strength.”

With Kericho Green now their new fortress, all eyes will be on whether the Black Berets can claim their first-ever top-flight victory against one of the league’s strongest sides.