A solitary goal from Clinton Kinanga proved decisive as Kenya Police secured a gritty 1-0 victory over APS Bomet in a tense FKF Premier League fixture at Gusii Stadium on Sunday. The win lifts Police into the top half of the league table, while Bomet, still searching for their first points of the campaign, remain anchored at the bottom.

The match’s defining moment arrived in the 41st minute, when Kinanga broke the deadlock with a clinical finish in the box. The forward latched onto a well-weighted pass, eluded his marker, and coolly slotted past Bomet’s goalkeeper, sending the Police supporters into celebration.

Before Kinanga’s breakthrough, the opening exchanges saw both sides probe for weaknesses. Bomet, desperate to get off the mark after consecutive losses in prior rounds, pressed high and tried to unsettle Police’s defensive line. In response, Police relied on structured buildup play, gradually increasing their attacking tempo as the half wore on.

After the goal, Kenya Police took control of the rhythm, utilizing their midfield to stifle Bomet's attempts at resurgence. The second half unfolded as a war of attrition, with both teams battling for supremacy in midfield, but neither able to carve out clear-cut chances. Bomet’s attackers found themselves crowded out whenever they advanced, and Police’s backline dealt confidently with aerial threats.

The contest’s intensity crested deep into stoppage time. In the 99th minute, a direct red card was issued to an unknown Police player after a heated exchange. The dismissal added late drama but did not alter the result, as Police held firm in the dying moments to preserve their lead.

Key performers included Kinanga, whose decisive goal capped a composed display up front, and Police’s defensive unit, which blunted Bomet’s attacks throughout. For Bomet, midfielder Brian Otieno worked tirelessly to spark transitions, but his efforts couldn’t breach the Police rearguard.

The result is a crucial boost for Police, who leap into eighth place and will look to build momentum as the season progresses. For APS Bomet, the pressure intensifies, with the team still searching for answers after a third straight defeat.

As the FKF Premier League season gathers pace, Kenya Police’s victory signals their determination to challenge for a top-half finish, while Bomet must regroup quickly to avoid losing touch with the pack.