Pressure continues to mount on Kenya Police FC head coach Dusan Stojanovic after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Mara Sugar on Wednesday, January 14, extending their winless run to five matches.
Stojanovic, who had reportedly been under threat of dismissal last week, left much of the touchline responsibility to newly appointed assistant Nicholas Muyoti. Police made a bright start and scored early, but once again failed to turn a promising position into a much-needed victory.
The hosts appeared to be on course when January recruit Yves Koutiama struck inside the opening two minutes to give Police a 1-0 lead. However, Mara Sugar responded before the break, with Joseph Okwenda finding the net just after the half-hour mark to earn the visitors a valuable point in their fight to stay clear of relegation.
The draw did little to boost Police’s title ambitions, leaving them fifth on the table and still trailing leaders AFC Leopards. For Mara Sugar, the result was significant as Edward Manoah’s men moved six points away from the relegation zone.
Coming off a goalless draw against KCB last Friday, the signs were already worrying for Stojanovic, whose team has struggled for consistency. The arrival of a new assistant on the bench did little to change Police’s fortunes against a side expected to be beatable.
Police made the perfect start when Koutiama latched onto a fine pass from Hernest Malonga before rounding goalkeeper Evans Ouma to score in the second minute. Despite the early breakthrough, Police failed to capitalise on their dominance.
Midfielder Marvin Nabwire came close to doubling the lead in the 10th minute, but his effort struck the post as Mara Sugar clung on. The visitors made their moment count when Okwenda swept home a low free kick delivered by Jimmy Owili in the 33rd minute to level the scores.
Stojanovic made two changes at halftime, introducing new signing Ally Awesu and Alvin Mang’eni in place of Eric Zakayo and Tobias Otieno. Awesu brought some urgency down the right flank and helped create chances, but Police were repeatedly denied by an impressive display from Ouma, who kept out efforts from Koutiama and substitute David Simiyu late on.
Police nearly snatched all three points at the death when Geoffrey Onyango met a close-range chance, but his header was cleared off the line by Robinson Muzungu, ensuring the hosts’ winless streak continued.
Mara Sugar threatened sparingly in the second half, with Timothy Ndayala’s header their closest effort, and appeared satisfied with the draw. Their defensive resilience, highlighted by debutant defender Nassor Shikokoti, proved crucial as they secured a hard-earned point on the road.