Former men’s hockey premier league champions, Kenya Police, came from two goals down to beat Parkroad 3-2 at City Park.
Samson Kibirir’s 68th minute goal was what made the difference between the law enforcers and Parkroad.
Police, who are seeking to reclaim the title they lost to Butali Sugar Warriors last season, were caught off-guard as they trailed the hard-fighting Parkroad for the better part of the match. It was not a start they were expecting though.
The Ngara-based side has made a good account of themselves this season. For them, it has been a well-calculated battle. Picking points at will and containing pressure as true champions would.
Police forward Moses Cheplati lauded Parkroad’s good show in the match, saying they are getting better with every match.
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“They were worthy opponents in this match. They have become stronger because it is like we played a totally new side as compared to our previous encounters,” Cheplaiti said.
Cheplaiti also commended his team for their effort that saw them launch the remarkable comeback into the match.
“They have fought a good fight and deserved the three points. We did not imagine we could trail that early in the match, but the comeback was what made all the difference.”
The match was a balanced affair in the opening minutes. However, after 17 minutes of fruitless efforts, the tide changed as Parkroad’s Andrew Kamau put his side in the lead. Police tried to draw level, but Parkroad guarded their lead jealously.
Two minutes into the second half, Parkroad’s Kamau made another successful attack as he sounded the boards past a well-beaten Martin Agessa to make matters 2-0.
Police were stung with that second goal. They had a mountain to climb with little time remaining. Being the real fighters they are, Police tightened their defence and pressed deeper into their opponents’ territory. Their struggle bore fruit as Cheplaiti pulled one back to reduce the deficit in the 47th minute.
Willis Okeyo restored parity in the 59th minute from a penalty stroke Brian Saina was fouled. And it was game on, before Kibirir scored the winner in the dying minutes of the game.
In men’s match, Wazalendo drew 3-3 against United States International University of Africa(USIU-A).
