Through to semis: KCB gun down Ulinzi to reach KPL Top 8 last four at the Kenyatta Stadium

BY RODGERS ESHITEMI

Ulinzi’s Kevin Amwayi during their Top 8 match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, yesterday. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO / STANDARD]

KCB secured a slot in the KPL Top Eight Tournament semi-finals after beating inaugural edition champions Ulinzi Stars 2-1 at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos yesterday.

This was the bankers’ first win of the season and a flying start for interim coach Daniel Oluoch, who replaced Abdallah Juma early in the week after the current AFC Leopards deputy coach was sacked following a string of poor results.

The victory left the goalkeeper trainer a happy man and he praised the striking duo of Paul Kiongera and Chrispinus Onyango for their impressive display.

Gor Mahia face Thika United in Thika Stadium today in another crucial match.

The match started brightly for the soldiers, who pressed hard and got a chance in the 13th minute, but Oliver Rutto’s attempt was saved by KCB custodian Zachariah Onyango.

Paul Kiongera responded immediately and should have put the bankers ahead, but he fluffed his shot before Stephen Waruru sent a feeble header to the hands of Onyango.

In the 28th minute, influential Onyango capitalized on Ulinzi’s defensive blunder to beat keeper Ochieng with a powerful strike.

Kevin Amwayi could have leveled the scores in 40th minute, but his long range shot went wide.

Ulinzi came out attacking in the second half searching for an equalizer and won a free-kick in the 55th minute, but Amwayi’s strike was blocked by a wall of KCB defenders.

Two minutes later, Ochieng was forced to come off his line to deny Kiongera a scoring chance, before Dennis Omondi made a clutch goal-line clearance. to keep the bankers in the game.

With two minutes remaining to stoppage time, Onyango delivered a lovely pass into the box for Kiongera to make it 2-0.

However, Amwayi pulled a goal back for the soldiers soon after restart, but the bankers held their nerves to join AFC Leopards and Tusker in the last four.

By AFP 2 hrs ago
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