Kenya Police have sealed a place in the Elite pre-season Cup final after narrowly edging a resilient Bidco United 1-0 at the Kasarani Annex on Thursday. Reagan Otieno netted the all-important goal in the second half to aid his side advance to the final where they will take on Nairobi City Stars who qualified earlier in the day after beating Kariobangi Sharks on post match penalties. There was nothing to write home about the first half as both teams appeared to struggle in finding the right pass in the final third and hence, the custodians had little to do in the stanza. Emmanuel Mogaka tried to beat Police custodian Job Ochieng from distance in the 16th minute after spotting the custodian odd his territory but his precision worked against his plan as the ball flew off the mark. Police had their first shot on target in the 25th through David Owino who headed a cross whipped in by Clifton Miheso but the ball landed on Lucas Indeche’s waiting hands. David Simiyu would have given Police the lead in the 35th minute after Francis Kahata put him through but despite beating the on rushing Indeche, the burly forward, with an open net staring at him, casually drove the ball off the target. Three minutes later, Indeche came to the rescue of Bidco, putting his strong palms on the line to save Patilah Omoto’s fierce shot for the first corner of the game for the law enforcers. ##EDITORS_CHOICE##Second half substitute Michael Bodo nearly gave Bidco the lead five minutes into the second half after pulling the trigger from the edge of the box but Ochieng came to the rescue of Police as he palmed the ball for a corner. Police who were under pressure from Bidco took the lead in the 68th minute through Reagan Otieno who beat Indeche from close range after Duke Abuya teed him up. Rupia who was involved in the build up to the opener was guilty of not doubling the advantage in the 80th minute after wasting a clear cut chance to his near post. Bidco, threw everything to the Police goal in the remaining minutes in a bid to level matters but Police defended resolutely to sail through.Kenya Police Starting XI: Job Ochieng, Yusuf Mainge, Kevin Ouma, Harun Shakava, David Owino, Marvin Nabwire, Patilah Omoto, Duke Abuya, Francis Kahata, Clifton Miheso, David Simiyu Substitutes: Bonphas Munyasa, Reuben Juma, Eric Juma, Soita Silicho, Charles Ouma, Lesley Otieno, James Kibande, Erick Kipkirui, Clinton Kinanga, John Ndirangu, Faustine Ojiambo, Reagan Otieno Bidco United Starting XI: Lucas Indeche, David Kalama, Gabriel Wandera, Francis Oduor, Geoffrey Gitau, Henry Juma, Peter Nzuki, Emmanuel Mogaka, Samuel Ndung’u, David Gateri, Zachary GathuSubstitutes: Lambert Oyuga, Benson Iregi, Edwin Mukolwe, David Orem, Brian Nyakan, Thomas Wainaina, Ezekiel Okare, Michael Bodo, Kassim Mwinyi, Said Tsuma, Lameck Oloo, Stephen KariukiCentre Referee: Yasin Badir
