Kenya Police Bullets returned to the top of the 2026/27 FKF Women Premier League table on Saturday after beating Shabana Starlets 2-1 at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi.
The defending champions had briefly surrendered top spot to Ulinzi Starlets earlier in the day, but their victory over Shabana restored their position after three rounds of matches.
Lorna Nyarinda opened the scoring for Police in the 30th minute with a free-kick from just outside the centre circle.
The set piece came after Shabana defender Majorine Rael was booked for a foul on Police striker Faith Mboya, with referee Josephine Wanjiku awarding the free-kick.
Nyarinda’s effort caught Shabana goalkeeper Pauline Kathuruh off guard as the ball slipped through her gloves and into the net.
Police came close to adding a second three minutes later when Elizabeth Ochaka released a long pass to Leah Cherotich on the left flank.
Cherotich made a good run into the box before picking out Nyarinda, but the forward’s first-time effort sailed over the crossbar.
Shabana then had their own chance to level the contest in the 37th minute after winning a free-kick on the edge of the Police box.
Captain Christine Ondieki delivered the ball into the area, where Hellen Ochieng was left unmarked. Her effort struck the post before the rebound was gathered by Police goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro.
Police eventually doubled their advantage in the 66th minute, with Rebecca Okwaro finding the net after being set up by Mboya.
Shabana responded in the 70th minute when Sylvia Ondiba pulled a goal back, but Police held on to secure all three points.
The result sees Police Bullets return to the summit after Ulinzi Starlets had temporarily moved into first place with a convincing 6-1 victory over Kibera Soccer Women at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Velma Awuor scored twice for Ulinzi, while Siliya Rasoa, Shaline Nambengele, Sheril Angachi and Quinter Adhiambo scored once each.
Anna Arusi scored Kibera Soccer Women’s consolation goal.
Both Ulinzi Starlets and Kenya Police Bullets have nine points, but Police lead the standings on goal difference, with a +9 tally compared to Ulinzi’s +8.
Speaking after the match, Bullets head coach David Bujego pointed to the difference in recovery time between the two teams, noting that Police Bullets had played their previous league match on Monday, while Shabana had last featured on Saturday.
“Tulicheza on Monday, wao walicheza on Saturday. Recovery time imetuaffect kidogo. All in all, the most important thing ni points tatu tumepata,” Bujego said.
Shabana Starlets head coach Peter Ongechi admitted the match was difficult but felt his side had followed their game plan well against the defending champions.
Ongechi said Shabana had prepared specifically for the challenge posed by Kenya Police Bullets and attributed the defeat largely to a few mistakes and an element of bad luck.
“Mechi haijakuwa rahisi. Tulikuwa tunajua the kind of opponent tunakuja kuface, so tuliprepare vizuri. Kidogo naeza sema ni bad luck because tumecheza vizuri according to instructions. Ni mistake moja mbili tu, otherwise tungetoka na draw ama win,” Ongechi said.
Elsewhere, Gideon Starlets registered their first victory of the season after beating Vihiga Queens 3-0 at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.
Vivian Otieno scored twice, while Merceline Wafula added the other goal as Gideon Starlets collected maximum points.
The result lifted Gideon Starlets to fourth place with four points from three matches, while Vihiga Queens remain at the bottom after losing all three of their opening league matches.
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