Muyoti issues demands to players after dropping points against Ulinzi

Kenya Police FC head coach Nicholas Muyoti has called for greater defensive discipline from his players after his side conceded from a cross in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Ulinzi Stars at Ulinzi Sports Complex

Police looked on course for victory after taking a 1-0 lead into the break courtesy of Edward Omondi’s opener.

However, their advantage was wiped out in the 51st minute when Telena Tele Ochieng rose to meet a well delivered cross and finished brilliantly to restore parity for Ulinzi.

Muyoti did not hide his frustration with how his side conceded, insisting the situation could have been prevented with better game management and defensive awareness.

“We were supposed to close down the player before crossing the ball. Why did we give him the space to cross the ball?” Muyoti questioned during his post match interview.

The 49 year old tactician challenged his players to take more responsibility, warning that such lapses could prove costly in their title defence.

“It’s high time we learn how to manage the game. We gave Ulinzi too much freedom to play their game, which is something I wasn’t impressed with. We can do much better,” he added.

Despite the disappointment, Muyoti acknowledged positives in his team’s overall display but urged them to be more clinical in front of goal.

“I’m grateful for the one point we earned. We just need to be more ruthless and utilise the chances we create. We will pick up from there because we had a good game,” he said.

Ulinzi head coach Stephen Ocholla praised his side’s resilience, particularly their second half response after trailing at the interval.

“A point is better than none and I’m really happy we managed to come from behind to get an equaliser. It has been long since we got positive results. We have picked lessons that will be valuable heading into the next game,” said Ocholla.

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He too stressed the need for improved finishing if his side is to turn draws into victories.

The result extended Ulinzi’s winless run this year, with the soldiers registering two draws and two consecutive defeats.

Their last victory came on 22 December last year.

Police, meanwhile, have now dropped points in three straight matches, with their last win coming against Mara Sugar last month, a run that has dented their hopes of retaining the league title.

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The draw leaves the defending champions sixth on the table with 30 points, 13 behind leaders Gor Mahia.

Ulinzi remain 14th on 18 points, just two clear of the relegation zone as the pressure continues to mount in the lower half of the standings.