AP, Kenya Police share spoils in NSL thriller

Administration Police’s Isimwa Etimesi (left) vies for the ball with Martin Mutua of Kenya Police during their National Super League match on December 19, 2018 at Camp Toyoyo grounds, Nairobi. 

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • AP's Martin Mutua hits a brace to earn his side a deserved draw.
  • Kenya Police rise to fourth position with seven points.
  • AP coach Simon Gitau rues his side's loss of focus at critical moments.

The highly anticipated National Super League derby between Administration Police (AP) and Kenya Police ended in a 2-all draw on Wednesday morning at Camp Toyoyo grounds.

AP opened the scoring with barely a minute on the clock when Herbert Okoth turned in Abdul Karim’s cross. Kenya Police levelled through Martin Mutua’s free-kick 25 minutes later.

There was lengthy stoppage in 40th minute after AP’s Alfred Chole sustained a nasty head injury as he vied for an aerial ball with a Kenya Police player. He was later stretchered off the pitch for further medical attention.

AP restored their lead in 54th minute when Douglas Museve lobbed a long range shot over a stranded Michael Onyango in Kenya Police’s goal. Kenya Police once again pulled level through another superb Mutua free-kick in the 76th minute for a 2-2 final score.

AP coach Samson Gitau lamented how his side lost the lead twice in the same manner. “We had a good plan for this match and it was working. We lost concentration at critical stages and we were duly punished. We shall work on our mistakes especially goalkeeper’s positioning during set pieces,” he said.

The draw sees Kenya Police rise to fourth with seven points one ahead of fifth-placed AP before Wednesday’s round of matches is complete.

Wednesday matches:

Administration Police 2-2 Kenya Police

Fixtures

Thika United v Fortune Sacco

Bidco United v Nairobi City Stars

Shabana v Migori Youth

Eldoret Youth v Kangemi All Stars

Nairobi Stima v Modern Coast Rangers

FC Talanta v Coast Stima

Wazito v Kibera Black Stars

Kisumu All Stars v St Joseph’s Youth