Western Stima switch off Homeboyz to go top

Sofapaka FC’s Dennis Omino challenges Eugene Mukhangula (left) of AFC Leopards during KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on Saturday,Dec 22, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

AFC Leopards and Sofapaka draw in Machakos as league enters week three.

KCB coach Frank Ouna was an elated man after the bankers picked their first point in the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) by holding high-riding Bandari 1-1 at Machakos Stadium yesterday.

The bankers are one of the two teams promoted to the top league this season and until yesterday had remained winless in two matches.

“Going into this match, we were expecting to pick our first point by getting at least a draw. We find ourselves in tough waters and this could be the turning point for our season,” he said.

KCB were forced to rally from behind to pick a point and will have Clinton Kasiavuki to thank for his 58th minute goal.

It was the second goal for Kasiavuki for the bankers this season as he cancelled Felly Mulumba’s header in the 14th minute for Bandari.

Ouna was also full of praise for his goal scorer. “You always want him close to your opponent’s goal as he has a keen eye for scoring.”

Bandari coach Bernard Mwalala was satisfied with the point despite his side failing to make it three wins in a row.

“Our opponents did well today and we were affected by the long travel meaning we could not sustain the tempo in the second half. We are the only team that has to travel 400km to honour a match and to pick a point,” he said.

In Kisumu,  Kennedy Otieno inspired Western Stima to a 2-1 win over Kakamega Homeboyz as the power men went on top of the league.

Otieno came from the bench to score two goals in five minutes and hand Stima coach Paul Ogai his third consecutive  win against Homeboyz.

Peter Thiong’o had given the Kakamega based side a 1-0 first half lead in the 34th minute after finding himself unmarked inside the box to slot  home Luke Namanda’s edge cutting cross at the far right corner.

Homeboyz, fresh from a 3-0 big win over AFC Leopards last weekend were first to make an impact four minutes into the match through David Okoth who’s shot was easily handled by Stima stopper Patrick Odhiambo.

Ten minutes later, Stima was forced to substitute their keeper Gabriel Andika after colliding with Stima’s Wesley Kemboi during a set piece with David Juma coming on six minutes later.

And in the 34th minute, Homeboyz danger man Peter Thiongo opened the scoring with an easy pat  after Western Stimas  Kevin Akongo miss pass was collected by Luke Namanda who crossed from left wing.