Muyoti on tactics that earned him a maiden victory at Police FC

Kenya Police FC head coach Nicholas Muyoti has credited his second-half tactical adjustments for inspiring the Law Enforcers’ hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mara Sugar FC, a result that marked his first win in charge of the defending champions.

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Burkinabe forward Yves Kuotima's strike proved decisive, netting 23 minutes from time to hand Police a crucial win over the Sugar Millers in an FKF Premier League encounter at Awendo Green Stadium.

The victory came in Muyoti’s second match at the helm, barely a week after taking over, and snapped Police’s six-match winless run.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the match, Muyoti revealed that his bold second-half substitutions were central to turning the tide.

“I made tactical changes in the second half by bringing on Edward Ondimo, Brian Otieno and Alvin Mangeni, and that gave us an all-round performance,” Muyoti explained.

The former Nairobi United tactician withdrew Erick Zakayo, David Odhiambo and Malonga Ernest, a move that immediately injected energy and purpose into Police’s play.

The visitors began to dominate possession and press Mara Sugar deeper into their half. The decisive moment came from a well-orchestrated midfield move.

David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng sprayed a precise out-foot pass to Kuotima, who combined neatly with debutant Brian Otieno.

The former Posta Rangers man then delivered a perfectly weighted return ball, allowing Kuotima to finish clinically for the winner.

Police could have extended their lead, with Kuotima narrowly missing a chance for his first brace in Kenya after being picked out by Mangeni, while Otieno also went close but skied his effort over the bar following Ondimo’s defence-splitting pass.

Muyoti praised Otieno’s debut, noting the immediate impact of the new signing.

“I am happy for Brian Otieno. He made his debut in a memorable way and capped it with an assist that proved decisive. We are glad to have him and look forward to seeing more from him,” he added.

The former Nairobi City Stars coach also highlighted two key positives from the match, picking a clean sheet and the end of a prolonged winless spell.

Prior to the Mara Sugar victory, Police had gone six games without a win, drawing with AFC Leopards, Kakamega Homeboyz, KCB, Nairobi United and Mara Sugar, while suffering a narrow loss to Murang’a Seal as well as recording just two clean-sheets in the same period.

“When you want to win titles, you must be solid at the back,” Muyoti stated. “We have been scoring but conceding too, so keeping a clean sheet today was very important.”

The win lifts Police to fourth place on 28 points, with a game in hand, as they continue their push to retain the FKF Premier League title.

Muyoti believes the result has come at the perfect time as the season enters its decisive phase.

“The pressure was rising, and this win is a big confidence booster. We needed it to restore belief as we head into the final phase of the campaign,” he said.

Police will next face Bandari FC away in Mombasa on Wednesday, 28 January, in a rescheduled fixture, where victory could see them close the gap on leaders Gor Mahia to just five points.