Kenya Police marched to second place in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League following their slender 1-0 win over KCB at the Police Sacco Stadium on Saturday. Experienced midfielder Duncan Otieno’s first-half strike earned the hosts three points and sent them to second slot with 45 points, nine off Gor Mahia, who beat Nzoia Sugar 3-1.FKFPL: Gor Mahia stage comeback to extend lead at topThe result keeps the law enforcers’ hope of a miracle as far as the league race is concerned, alive, as there are eight matches yet to be played. Police made it clear that they wanted the three points more than KCB as they knocked the ball around with ease and often, made seamless moves to the banker’s area in search for the opener. The state of the playing surface following last night’s rains didn’t make it any easier for both teams, but Police appeared more comfortable when in possession and rarely opted for long balls.KCB appeared to go through the channels and heavily relied on deliveries from their full backs, but the height in the Police backline, that had the support of the towering midfielder Charles Ouma, was equal to the task. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8027987##A lapse in concentration by the KCB backline allowed defensive midfielder Otieno to break the deadlock in the 14th minute, pulling the trigger from outside the box to beat the fully-stretching Faruk Shikalo. Otieno, who was unmarked, had the freedom to control the ball, and wittingly spotted space on the left side of Shikalo before hitting the ball with precision to give Police the lead. The goal was probably what KCB needed to step up, as they made more runs on the wings and gave the Police backline and goalkeeper Patrick Matasi some more work to do.Kusaba scores debut goal as City Stars drown SealBoth teams had open chances in the half with KCB forward Philemon Nyakwaka having the clearest of all moments to the breather but was nicked in the bud before he could shoot. Tito Okello on the other hand, failed to make the two chances that fell his way count, but will certainly be pleased with how he held the ball, and invited for support from his teammates.
