Elite Preseason Cup: Simiyu, Nabwire on the mark as Police thump City Stars

Star studded Kenya Police FC dimmed Nairobi City Stars to lift the inaugural Elite Preseason Cup following a 2-0 win courtesy of goals from David Simiyu and Marvin Nabwire in a clash staged at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday 1 October.

After the game, Police head coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omolo was happy with the way his side dominated the first half despite Duke Abuya missing a spot kick.

"I'm really really with the performance of the boys today because first half we really dominated the game and we were not losing possession unnecessarily but we missed a penalty and still you could see the quality," said Pamzo.

His counterpart Nicholas Muyoti admitted that Police were a cut above City Stars but was delighted to hand his budding players some experience in the tournament.

"I would like to congratulate Police, they had a good match but I think my boys had a stage freight and they couldn't match up but in the second half we brought some changes and introduced some experiences players. I'm however happy that the tournament has given us a good indicator and we now know what to work on," said Muyoti.

Police booked their place in the final after narrowly overcoming Bidco United 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Reagan Otieno while City Stars needed penalties to beat Kariobangi Sharks and punch a ticket to the final.

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The game was off to a cautious start with both teams struggling to get a foothold in the game with City Stars getting their first chance of the game when Samuel Kapeni drove from the right flank and went past Harun Shakava but his tame effort handed Job Ochieng easy pickings in goal.

Police were handed a chance to break the deadlock at the stroke of the half hour mark when Francis Kahata was brought down by Steve Njunge after the former Gor Mahia forward got to the ball ahead of him.

Duke Abuya who is the top scorer of the tournament with four goals steped up to take the penalty but could not hold his nerve as his shot canoned off the crossbar and went out for a goalkick.

City Stars had a number of half chances before the half time whistle but they could not bury the ball into the net as both teams went into the half time break locked in a barren draw.

Unimpressed by the first half, Nicholas Muyoti opted for a double change bringing in Ezekiel Odera and Oliver Maloba for Vincent Otieno and Mohammed Omar with Otieno being ineffective despite grabbing a brace against Sharks.

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The changes failed to have the desired effect as Police took the lead in the 63rd minute through David Simiyu who dinked the ball past the on rushing goalkeeper to wheel away in celebration after giving the Law Enforcers the lead.

With wind in their sails, Police doubled their lead in the 74th minute after City Stars failed to clear their lines as Marvin Nabwire who was waiting just outside box had the ball fall kindly for him as he fired it home.

Police managed to see off the game as they limited City Stars to very few chances until the final whistle of the game.

Police XI: Job Ochieng, Yusuf Mainge (Eric Juma 51'), David Owino, Kelvin Ouma, Patillah Omotto, Marvin Nabwire, Duke Abuya, Francis Kahata, Reagan Otieno, Harun Shakava, David Simiyu.

Subs: Bonphas Munyasha, Cornelius Lusaka Soita Silicho, Lesley Otieno, Charles Ouma, Erick Kipkirui, James Kibande, Clifton Miheso, Clinton Kinanga.

City Stars XI: Steve Njunge, Clavins Masawa, Herit Mungai, Kennedy Onyango, Clifford Otieno, Peter Opiyo, Timothy Oduor, Newton Ochieng (Anthony Kimani 26'), Vincent Otieno (Ezekiel Odera 46'), Mohammed Omar (Oliver Maloba 46').

Subs: Jacob Osano, Elvis Ochoro, Dennis Wanjala, Rooney Kola, Elvis Noor, Kelvin Etemesi, Elly Osotsi, Daniel Odhiambo, Rowland Makati.