After needing time to settle at his new club, Okello appears to have fully found his footing, playing a decisive role in a dominant performance that secured Yanga a place in the Round of 16.
The evening began in electric fashion as Yanga struck inside the opening minute. Midfielder Mudathir Yahya calmly finished to hand the hosts an early advantage and set the tone for what turned into a goal-filled contest.
Angolan forward Laurindo Dilson Maria Aurelio, popularly known as Depu, extended the lead in the 22nd minute with a powerful strike before grabbing his second just twelve minutes later.
The move was initiated by Yahya, who had been released down the flank by Okello.
Yanga’s relentless pressure forced another setback for Police just before halftime when defender Joseph Majagi inadvertently diverted Okello’s shot into his own net after it had bounced off the goalpost.
The hosts maintained their dominance after the break. In the 59th minute, Depu completed his hat-trick, heading home from a superb delivery by Okello to make it four goals for the striker and five for Yanga.
Police managed a consolation in the 71st minute, although it came via another own goal. this time by Yanga defender Frank Assinki.
Substitute Buba Jammeh added further gloss to the scoreline shortly after coming on, striking Yanga’s sixth in the 76th minute with his first meaningful involvement.
The scoring was wrapped up in the 84th minute when Abdulnassir Mohamed fired through a crowded penalty area following a cleverly worked short corner routine that began with Okello.
With four goal involvements, two assists, a shot that led to an own goal, and involvement in the final attack, Okello emerged as the standout performer on a night when Yanga demonstrated their attacking firepower and marched comfortably into the next round of the competition.
