KCB thrash Bandari to dislodge Tusker from top

KCB players celebrate a goal during their FKF Premier League match against Bandari at Utalii Grounds . [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

KCB capitalised on Tusker and AFC Leopards slip up to go on top of the FKF Premier League table after thrashing Bandari 3-0 at Utalii Grounds yesterday.

Having watched Tusker and AFC Leopards drop two points each following their draws with Wazito (1-1) and Posta Rangers (0-0) respectively, the bankers needed a win to dislodge the brewers from the summit.

And they did that in style with David Simiyu, Harun Thomas and substitute Derrick Otanga’s goals helping the bankers avenge last season’s double loss against the dockers and consequently return to the top of the table.

The emphatic victory saw Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s boys take their points tally to 36, one ahead of Tusker and three more than third placed AFC as the race for CAF Champions League qualification hots up.

Though Otieno was pleased with his side’s performance, he played down their chances of securing their maiden Champions League ticket this season.

“Even though we are focused on our next game against Sofapaka, it is our hope and prayer that we maintain the position until June 30. We are just taking one game at a time,” said Otieno.

“I’m satisfied with the result and proud of my players’ performance today. We stepped up against Bandari after a slow start in the Mathare United game. Winning 3-0 against a team of Bandari calibre at this point of league means we are a good team. The players know what’s at stake and I feel that’s a sweet revenge after Bandari took six points from us last season.”

It took only 15 minutes for David Simiyu to break the deadlock when he capitalised on the dockers’ defensive error to easily tap home Reagan Otieno’s delivery from the left flank before Henry Onyango missed a golden chance in the 21st minute.

But five minutes later, Thomas Harun beat goalkeeper Justin Ndikumana from close range after the visitors’ defence failed to clear David Owino’s free kick.

Simiyu nearly bagged his second goal of the day when he pounced on a loose ball in the area only for the former Vihiga United man to feebly shoot straight at Bandari goalkeeper.

Sensing danger, Bandari coach Cassa Mbungo made a tactical change bringing on striker Umar Kasumba for centre half Brian Otieno on the half hour mark.

Kasumba nearly made an instant impact after he earned a free-kick for the dockers but William Wadri’s attempt was easily gathered by KCB goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka.

One of KCB defenders almost conceded an own goal while trying to clear Willian Wadri’s cut-back in the 40th minute before Kasumba missed a sitter following a goal mouth melee from Hassan Abdallah’s corner kick.

The bankers continued from where they left off in the first half with Curtis Wekesa almost extending the lead in the 58th minute after a brilliant run on the right flank.

Bandari responded after ten minutes, but Kasumba’s shot at the edge of the box was deflected for a fruitless corner before Wekesa missed another open scoring chance on the opposite end.

Derrick Otanga then came off the bench to put the game beyond the dockers reach when he perfectly connected Michael Oduor’s cross from the right flank in the 82nd minute.

Elsewhere, Frank Ouna picked up his first point as Mathare United coach after the Slum Boys held Nzoia Sugar to a 2-2 draw in Bungoma.