Kenya Police go top as Shabana extend unbeaten run with narrow wins

Kenya Police FC climbed to the summit of the FKF Premier League table after grinding out a 1-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks, while Shabana FC continued their impressive resurgence with a hard-fought victory against Bidco United on Saturday.

At the Kasarani Stadium, Police responded positively to last weekend’s defeat to Shabana by putting in a disciplined and patient display against a stubborn Sharks outfit. After a cagey opening half, the breakthrough arrived in the 55th minute when veteran defender Abud Omar struck from a well-executed set piece, lifting the visitors into the lead and injecting some warmth into an otherwise chilly Kasarani atmosphere.

Coach Zdravko Logarušić’s side thereafter managed the game well, making key substitutions to tighten midfield control, with Exauce Misuri and Edward Omondi coming on for Baraka Badi and Eric Zakayo. Sharks attempted to mount a late surge, introducing Clinton Kinanga after the hour mark, but they found no way past the well-drilled Police backline.

The victory took Police to 20 points from 10 matches, one point ahead of defending champions Gor Mahia, who face AFC Leopards in Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby. Gor, however, can reclaim first place with a win.

Earlier in the day in Kisii, Shabana halted their three-match home losing streak by edging Bidco United 1-0 at the Gusii Stadium. Returning home after more than a month on the road, the Glamour Boys dominated early exchanges, stretching Bidco with direct runs from Hezekiah Omuri and Gilbert Abala. Despite their bright start, Shabana could not convert their pressure into goals in the first half, where chances were limited.

The match finally sparked to life in the second half. Shabana increased their tempo after the break and were rewarded in the 55th minute when captain Mike Okolla calmly dispatched a penalty following a handball in the Bidco box. The goal changed the complexion of the game, with Shabana opting to protect their lead and hit on the counter as Bidco pushed bodies forward in search of an equaliser.

Victor Otieno had a chance to put the result beyond doubt in the 75th minute but fired wide after a swift counterattack. Bidco, meanwhile, extended its worrying winless streak to seven matches, remaining 10th on 13 points.

Shabana’s victory lifted them to fourth place on 18 points from 11 games, making it three wins in a row and extending their unbeaten run to five matches. They now sit just two points off the top, albeit having played one more match than Police.

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