Kenya Police coach Nicholas Muyoti expressed sympathy for AFC Leopards after their 3-0 defeat to his side and urged them to recover ahead of the Mashemeji Derby.
It was a huge setback for Leopards in their bid to end their Kenya Premier League title drought.
Ingwe came into the tie looking to make the most of Gor Mahia’s slip-up on Tuesday, the league leaders having lost 1-0 to Tusker in Kirinyaga.
Heading into the clash, Ingwe knew victory would take them above leaders, Gor Mahia, who play Bandari on Sunday, but instead it was Police who stamped their authority with a ruthless first-half display.
Police took the lead through Burkina Faso marksman Yves Koutiama after only six minutes. Eric Zakayo then added a second in the 31st minute following an assist from Daniel Sakari.
The cops made it 3-0 through Charles Ouma goal.
Koutiama, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up. The early goal set the tone for a dominant opening half from the law enforcers.
The second goal arrived in the 32nd minute following a swift counterattack initiated after a poor Leopards free-kick. Daniel Sakari surged down the flank and delivered a pinpoint curling cross that found Eric Zakayo, who scored.
Coach Fred Ambani was forced into an early change in the 36th minute, bringing on captain Kayci Odhiambo for Coulibally, a move that briefly steadied the side.
Odhiambo’s presence nearly inspired an immediate response as Ronald Sichenje drove forward from midfield, only to be denied by Police goalkeeper Job Ogembo. However, any hopes of a comeback were dealt a further blow just before the break.
In the 44th minute, Police capitalised on another set-piece situation. After a dangerous throw-in and sustained pressure, Charles Ouma scored the third goal, handing Police a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime.
Despite the loss, AFC Leopards remain second on the table with 55 points, while 21-time champions Gor Mahia lead the standings with 57 points.
Speaking after the match, Nicholas Muyoti reflected on the outcome with mixed emotions, acknowledging his deep personal connection to his former club while also assessing the performance of his current team.
AFC Leopards was my club during my hey days and I feel bad for them today because I think they are chasing the title and this is a big setback for them. I just hope that they pick themselves up in the derby,” Nicholas Muyoti said.
The result dealt a significant blow to AFC Leopards’ title ambitions, denying them the chance to go top and piling pressure ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures, including the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby.
In other fixtures of the day, Mara Sugar FC boosted their survival hopes with a narrow 1-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Stadium, Mathare United returned to winning ways hammering Bidco United 3-0, Ulinzi Stars registered a 3-2 win over KCB FC, while at the Wanguru Stadium Tusker were held to a goalless draw by Sofapaka.
