By Robin Toskin
KCB did everything to lend credence to critics’ argument that they are Kenyan Premier League first leg wonder as they began the second leg with home defeat to Sony Sugar.
That it took a fortuitous goal from Ismail Dunga’s sliced effort for Sony Sugar to reap all three points, when they would not have grumbled even with a draw, shows how stark again omens are for the bankers.
Attempting a volley from a free kick, Dunga miscued his shot — only connecting the ball with the outside of his smallest toe — that bounced over a flailing goalkeeper Sammy Okinda.
But while the goal drew coach James Omondi’s ire, it provided some comic relief to a sizeable crowd at City Stadium as the KPL action resumed after a month-long international break.
Although KCB will point at Sony’s momentum gained from their 1-1 draw on Wednesday against AFC Leopards in their un-played first leg fixture, they will not explain a lack of cutting edge in the final third of the pitch.
Off target
Jacob Keli squandered a couple of chances, wildly shooting off target and substitute Benjamin Chaka shot heavenwards following a nice cut back by Paul Mungai 20 minutes from time.
Newcomers Oserian and Muhoroni Youth had hoped to emulate Mathare United and Nairobi City Stars who all got three points on the road on Saturday if only to breathe life into their floundering campaigns.
Oserian, however, found themselves on the receiving end against KPL champions Tusker as they went down 3-1 at Kasarani.
Dennis Mukaisi gave Tusker the lead just after the half-hour mark to build a foundation from which the brewers would not look back.
Claimed plaudits
It took only two minutes after restart for Tusker’s champions’ credentials to bear when new recruit Joshua Oyoo claimed the plaudits after the ball bounced off his feet following neat interplay with Mukaisi.
Substitute Obadiah Ndege put some hops in Tusker’s broth with a third goal and although Charles Odette would put one goal into his own net, the nine-time Kenyan champions were not to be stopped joining Sofapaka at the top of the table with 32 points.
City Stars produced a giant-killing act, beating Thika United 1-0 in Thika Town on Saturday to move to 10th on the log.
Muhoroni Youth, however, lacked the inspiration at home as they fell 2-1 to Ulinzi Stars and now face down the relegation barrel.
Ulinzi’s Geoffrey Kokoyo headed home Amon Mwamburi’s cross after 62 minutes and although Collins Neto levelled matters, Wycliffe Ochomo hit the winner for the visiting military men in the 77th minute.
Ulinzi are now fourth.
