Kapaito Strike Too Late as Tusker Fall to Clinical Kenya Police in Murang’a

Tusker FC’s late push was not enough to salvage points on a tense afternoon in Murang’a, as Kenya Police FC claimed a disciplined 2–1 victory in their SportPesa Premier League clash on Sunday.

The match exploded into life early, with Police catching Tusker flat-footed in the 13th minute. Eric Ngava Zakayo broke the deadlock, finishing calmly to give the visitors a bright start. Tusker tried to respond through Momanyi, whose 6th-minute header had earlier tested the goalkeeper, but Police’s organisation at the back remained unshaken.

The Brewers’ problems doubled at the half-hour mark when David Simiyu timed his run perfectly and slotted home Police’s second of the day. The goal arrived moments after a cooling break, and the body language in the Tusker camp showed recognition that they had allowed themselves too much to chase.

Tusker did manage to carve out moments of danger at 16 minutes, Oalo’s glancing header from a Decha free-kick went agonisingly wide, and on the opposite end, Ochuka came up big with a brilliant point-blank save to deny David Okoth. But at halftime, the damage was clear Tusker trailed 0–2 and needed a significant shift.

Coach Robert Matano rang changes at the interval, introducing Yakeen and Curtis for Omolle and Oruko in a bid to inject urgency. But Police remained compact, content to absorb pressure and break Tusker’s rhythm whenever possible.

The second half was a story of Tusker pushing and Police managing. Substitutions continued on both ends: Police refreshed their midfield with Albert Otieno and Tobias Otieno after the hour mark, while Tusker later introduced Kapaito for Oguta in one final roll of the dice.

Police had their own moments to kill the game, but Tusker controlled possession in the final quarter. Despite their effort, genuine clear chances remained limited as the match moved into its closing minutes.

The Brewers finally found a lifeline deep into stoppage time. Awarded a penalty in the 93rd minute, the experienced Erick Kapaito stepped up and tucked the ball past the keeper to make it 1–2. 

The stadium briefly lifted, and Tusker threw everything forward in the dying moments but Police held firm until the final whistle.

For Tusker, it will feel like an opportunity missed. A stronger second half showed their character, but the early goals conceded left a mountain that proved too steep to climb.

Kenya Police, meanwhile, leave Murang’a with a deserved victory built on efficiency, sharp finishing, and game management.