‘Machapo’ returns to haunt Ingwe
Kenya Police FC continued causing shockwaves in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) after forcing AFC Leopards to a 1-1 draw at Nyayo National Stadium yesterday.
The star-studded league debutants, who deflated the egos of Gor Mahia last weekend by dispatching them 2-0 at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, had Elvis “Machapo” Rupiah to thank for their first goal against his former employers courtesy of a devious half chance in the 37th minute.
Leopards’ backline did not foresee any danger until Rupia disentangled himself from his markers to score with a rasping drive
Led by newly-hired coach Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo, Police forward line spearheaded by Clifton Miheso was goal shy in the end to end game before catching Leopards on counter attacks, Rupia squeezing in past Ingwe defenders to slot in.
Similar scoreline
After the setback, Leopards, who held Sofapaka to a similar score line last weekend, were unable to offer much going forward with most of their chances towards goal going begging.
It would later come as a surprise in the 86th minute when Ingwe pulled one back for the equalizer.
Omollo, who replaced John “Boggy’ Ogolla as Police coach, was satisfied with the result although he felt that his team ought to have registered maximum points were it not for lapses in the dying minutes of the match.
“It’s fantastic in the true sense of the word and I must congratulate the players for a job well done. Just like in our game against Gor, our strategy worked extremely well although we should have put the game to bed early in the match,” said Pamzo.
On Saturday, Gor, wounded after the inexplicable defeat by Police before disbelieving fans in Kisumu,made amends with a hard fought 1-0 victory over money-bags Wazito at William Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok.
The goal which separated the two teams came through returnee striker George “Blackberry” Odhiambo with only four minutes remaining on the clock.
The league takes a two-week break and shall resume April 4.
Kakamega Homeboyz are still in the driving seat in the standings with 40 points followed by Tusker with 41 points.
The third position is occupied by Nairobi City Stars with 38 points while Gor are fourth with (38 points).
Other teams including KCB (37 points), Bandari (37 points), Posta Rangers (33 points), Kariobangi Sharks (34 points), FC Talanta (31 points) and Kenya Police (28 points) complete the top ten positions in the chart.
