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Police came into the fixture on high momentum against a Gor Mahia side whose recent resurgence under interim coach Zedkiah 'Zico' Otieno had been halted and added to their misery.
Kenya Police FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Gor Mahia in a fiercely contested FKF Premier League encounter at the Sportpesa Arena on Saturday.
The win marked Police’s fourth consecutive triumph, propelling them above the defending champions in the league standings.
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07:51 - 07.12.2024
Gor Mahia star midfielder Austin Odhiambo eyes back-to-back league MVP with successful title defence
Austin Odhiambo has been instrumental to the team's recent resurgence after their early season slump.
Both teams came into the match with contrasting motivations. Gor Mahia sought redemption after a disappointing draw with Shabana in their previous outing, while Police were keen to extend their winning streak.
Police FC fielded Patrick Matasi in goal, with Brian Okoth wearing the captain’s armband and marshaling the defence. Upfront, veteran Francis Kahata led the attacking line.
Gor Mahia countered with Kevin Omondi in goal, skipper Philemon Otieno anchoring the backline, and Austin Odhiambo spearheading their attack.
The match began on a balanced note, with the visitors slightly edging the early exchanges. Gor Mahia nearly broke the deadlock in the ninth minute when Christopher Ochieng’ found the net, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
Despite the disallowed goal, the opening half saw neither side able to capitalise on their chances. Tensions rose as halftime approached, culminating in a brief stoppage due to unrest from a section of the fans. Order was restored, and the teams headed into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
Second half
The second half mirrored the first, with both teams battling evenly. However, Police FC began to assert themselves, creating more promising opportunities.
Their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when substitute Alvin Mangeni, introduced as a tactical change, latched onto a chance and slotted past Kevin Omondi to give Police the lead.
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09:15 - 05.12.2024
'I have nothing to prove'- Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno claims amid reports he will be overlooked for permanent Gor Mahia job
Interim coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno has guided the Gor Mahia to three consecutive wins, but reports indicate he will not be landing the role on a permanent basis.
Gor Mahia pushed for an equaliser, but Police’s defence held firm under pressure. The defending champions could not breach the disciplined backline, allowing Police FC to secure a hard-fought victory.
The win not only extended Police’s winning streak to four matches but also improves their standing on the FKFPL log. For Gor Mahia, the defeat highlighted areas requiring improvement as they seek to reclaim their dominance in the league.
How they lined up:
Police FC Starting XI: Patrick Matasi (GK), Brian Okoth (C), Abud Omar, Musa Mohammed, Marvin Omondi, Brian Musa, David Odhiambo, Kenneth Muguna, Clinton Kinanga, Daniel Sakari, Francis Kahata.
Subs: Job Ochieng, David Ochieng, Charles Ouma, Alfred Leku, Jackson Irungu, Alvin Mang'eni, Eric Zakayo, Edage Baraka, Jesse Were, David Simiyu
Gor Mahia Starting XI: Kevin Omondi (GK), Philemon Otieno (C), Joshua Onyango, Alphonce Omija, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Sylvester Owino, Levin Joseph, Musa Masika, Christopher Ochieng, Ronney Onyango.
Subs: Dolph Owino, Caleb Omondi, Musa Shariff, Kennedy Onyango, Gedeon Bendeka, Ernest Wendo, Rodgers Ouma, Lawrence Juma, Bryson Wangai, Mark Shaban, Samuel Kapen, Paul Ochuoga
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