Stima end Police's unbeaten run in Super League

Leaders Western Stima on Saturday ended Kenya Police’s unbeaten run in the National Super League (NSL) with a 2-1 win at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday.

Until Saturday’s clash, Kenya Police had not lost a single match in all the 11 meetings that they had played, winning five and drawing six. They were ranked fourth in the league standings on 21 points.

Police could not hold on to that unbeaten run against coach Richard Makumbi’s Western Stima who now top the league on 30 points following the victory.

The law enforcers’ unbeaten run came under threat in the 16th minute when James Ogada of Stima tried to beat goalkeeper Antony Obonyo with a high ball which Obonyo gathered in the air.

Dan Otieno could have given his side the lead two minutes to the half-hour mark but he was denied by Obonyo. After several underwhelming minutes, Police got a glorious opportunity to take the lead but unmarked Jimmy Wafula fired wide. They fell behind two minutes to the break as John Mwita set up Kevin Okoth who found the back of the net with a low shot from outside the box. But the celebration was short-lived as James Nthiga levelled for Police at the stroke of halftime with a glancing header that caught goalkeeper Samuel Odhiambo flat-footed.

James Ogada struck Stima’s winner on 76 minutes with a long range shot which left the visitors pushing to salvage a point but they were not lucky.

Police coach Omondi praised his side despite the loss and said they will fight to ensure that they do not lose any other match. 

“It was a top performance from both sides. We lost fairly but we will ensure we do not lose another match,” said Omondi.

“Their defence was intact all through. They denied us many chances but at long last we won and it is a good result for us once again,” Makumbi said.