Title hopefuls come from behind to beat Seal as Police falter against Mara Sugar

David Omondi of Mara Sugar vies for the ball with Aboud Omar of Kenya Police/MARA SUGAR

SportPesa League champions Police FC surrendered another slice of their title defence on Wednesday after letting a first-half lead slip in a 1-1 draw with Mara Sugar at Police Sacco Stadium.

Police struck inside the opening two minutes through Burkinabe forward Yves Koutiama, who finished calmly to reward a bright start.

The goal raised expectations of a commanding home win, yet familiar flaws quickly resurfaced, allowing Mara Sugar to regroup and claw their way back.

The result leaves Police sixth with 24 points, while Mara Sugar remain 12th with 20 but will depart Nairobi with renewed confidence.

Police began with high tempo and authority, pressing high and moving the ball sharply to overwhelm their opponents before Mara Sugar could settle.

Koutiama’s strike lifted the stadium and suggested a response to recent inconsistent performances, but the champions failed to sustain intensity or convert possession into a decisive second goal.

Mara Sugar gradually grew into the game, sitting deep, staying compact, and patiently waiting for the police to overcommit.

Their strategy paid off in the 33rd minute when defender Joseph Okwenda rose unchallenged from a set piece to head home the equaliser, exposing Police’s ongoing vulnerability at dead-ball situations.

From that moment, the contest tightened, with the home side increasingly anxious and Mara Sugar growing bolder in belief. Police FC head coach Dusan Stojanovic was candid in his assessment, admitting his team failed to manage the game despite having an early lead.

“When you score in the second minute, the responsibility to control the game and dictate the tempo falls on you,” he said. “Unfortunately, we did not manage the match as effectively as we should have.”

He expressed frustration at conceding, emphasising that it was entirely avoidable. “The goal we gave away should never have happened,” Stojanovic said. “It highlights a lack of concentration and organisation at a critical moment that undermined our advantage.”

He added that the police had multiple chances to secure the win. “We had opportunities to score a second goal, but in this league, failing to take chances is punished immediately,” he said.

Stojanovic acknowledged the recurring pattern of starting strongly but losing control. “This is not the first time we’ve done this,” he said.

“Maintaining focus for the full 90 minutes is something we must improve urgently.”

Despite his criticism, he defended the players’ effort.

“They showed desire and commitment, but desire alone is not enough; it must be matched with discipline and composure.”

He also addressed the police’s position, stressing the need for urgency. “Being sixth is unacceptable for defending champions,” he said.

“We have dropped too many points, especially at home, and we must become sharper in decision-making, more ruthless in attack, and disciplined defensively. The league will not wait for us.”

Looking ahead, Stojanovic issued a blunt warning. “If we continue like this, allowing lapses and failing to capitalise on chances, the title will slip from our grasp, and that is a reality we cannot ignore.”

Mara Sugar head coach Edward Manoah left the stadium visibly satisfied, praising his players’ mentality after conceding so early.

“Conceding in the second minute is extremely challenging, but the players showed real character and composure under pressure,” he said.

He highlighted Mara Sugar’s adherence to their tactical plan. “We knew the police would dominate possession, so our responsibility was to stay organised, disciplined, and focused while absorbing pressure,” Manoah said.

He said patience and mental strength were key.

“We did not panic and waited for the right moment to exploit defensive weaknesses,” he said.

Manoah credited preparation for the equaliser.

“We spend significant time perfecting set pieces, and when the opportunity arose, the players executed flawlessly, rewarding their hard work,” he said.

The result, he added, was a significant morale boost. “Getting a point against Police FC gives the team belief and confidence moving forward.”

He also praised the defenders’ courage. “They put their bodies on the line at crucial moments to protect the team,” he said.

Even though Mara Sugar remain 12th, Manoah sounded optimistic.

“Week by week, we are growing as a team, improving organisation and mentality. If we continue with the same focus and discipline, we will not only remain safe but also become a competitive side capable of challenging stronger teams.”