Kenya Police end Shabana’s unbeaten start as Tusker respond against Mara Sugar

Police edged Shabana 1-0 in Nakuru to hand the hosts their first defeat of the campaign and extend their own winning run to two matches under new head coach Raphael Pilato.

Kenya Police FC dealt a significant blow to Shabana’s early-season momentum, while Tusker FC restored some confidence with a convincing win over Mara Sugar as Monday’s league action delivered four decisive results.

Police edged Shabana 1-0 in Nakuru to hand the hosts their first defeat of the campaign and extend their own winning run to two matches under new head coach Raphael Pilato.

Brian Otieno proved the difference, finding the net in the 17th minute with a powerful effort from outside the penalty area after being set up by Samwel Quasa.

The goal gave Police an early advantage, but the contest became increasingly difficult for Shabana, who enjoyed spells of possession without translating their pressure into clear-cut opportunities.

Police were also forced into an early change when Otieno, the goalscorer, was stretchered off with an injury. However, the visitors remained organised and disciplined at the back, frustrating Shabana’s attempts to find an equaliser.

The victory marks an encouraging start for Pilato, who took charge following the departure of Nicholus Muyoti. Police have now won both matches under the Frenchman without conceding, suggesting an immediate improvement in defensive stability.

For Shabana, the defeat is a setback after their promising start. Their unbeaten record is gone, and a four-match winless sequence now raises questions about their ability to turn competitive performances into victories.

Tusker, meanwhile, responded emphatically to their recent defeat against Mathare United, beating Mara Sugar 3-1 to get their campaign back on track.

Fabian Adikiny broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, capitalising on a loose ball to give the Brewers a half-time lead. Mara improved after the break and threatened to draw level, but Tusker punished their failure to convert possession into goals.

Erick Kapaito doubled the advantage in the 70th minute after being set up by Disemba Kisaka, before Stephen Omondi added a third from a corner, with goalkeeper Joseph Ogenda unable to keep the delivery out.

Mara pulled one back in the 87th minute through an own goal, but it proved little more than consolation.

The result lifted Tusker to seventh place with six points, while Mara remained on the same tally in 11th. For the Brewers, the response was important after losing to Mathare in their previous league outing, although their limited number of league matches means they still have ground to make up.

At Police Sacco Stadium, newcomers 3K FC continued to make an impression in the top flight with a 2-1 comeback victory over Posta Rangers.

Posta took the lead a minute into the second half through Mark Shaban, who finished after a move initiated by Brian Otieno. But 3K responded swiftly, with Yipoh Sally Ally restoring parity in the 51st minute.

Captain Daniel Wabwire then completed the turnaround with a powerful header from a set-piece delivery, securing the newcomers their second win of the campaign.

The result moved 3K to fourth place with eight points from five matches, offering a timely response after their first defeat of the season against APS Bomet. Posta, on the other hand, remained under pressure in the lower reaches of the table, with just four points from five outings.

Ulinzi Stars also had reason to celebrate after finally registering their first victory of the season, coming from behind to defeat Mathare United 2-1 at Vapour Grounds in Ngong.

Mathare made an early breakthrough through captain Ellie Asieche, who converted a free-kick inside the opening three minutes. Ulinzi responded after the break, with James Mwangi drawing the hosts level just two minutes into the second half.

Leonlevitt Osiago then completed the comeback in the 73rd minute, reacting quickest to a rebound after goalkeeper Kevin Ouru had parried an initial effort.

The win ended Ulinzi’s four-match winless start and lifted them to 11th place with five points. Mathare, who had been buoyed by their previous victory over Tusker, were left to absorb a second defeat of the campaign.

Monday’s results therefore offered contrasting narratives: Police are building momentum under new leadership, Tusker have shown their capacity to respond to setbacks, and 3K are proving competitive in their first top-flight campaign.

For Shabana and Posta Rangers, however, the immediate task is to halt their respective slides before early-season pressure intensifies.