KCB takes charge as Mathare United looks to evade drop

David Simiyu of KCB celebrate a goal during the FKF Premier League match against Gor Mahia FC at Kasarani stadium on Sunday, March 7, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Title hopefuls KCB Football Club are finally on the driving seat in the race to win the 2021 Football Kenya Federation FKF - Premier League title after winning their round 30 midweek match played on Wednesday.

The bankers leapfrogged long time leaders Tusker after their 2-0 win over struggling Western Stima.

KCB are top with 57 points, two more than Tusker who failed to register a win in their third consecutive match after a 2-1 defeat to Bandari FC in Mombasa.

Despite the loss, Tusker are still in the race for the title which will see a new champion crowned other than Gor Mahia who have dominated the local league for the past four season since 2017.

Four crucial matches are remaining till the season ends and the race will be back on over the weekend when KCB play Gor Mahia and Tusker look to respond when they play Sofapaka.

The race for a top four five finish sees eight teams battling on as AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, Kariobangi Sharks, Nairobi City Stars, Bandari, Wazito, Ulinzi Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz remain in contention.

In the relegation battle, Mathare United pulled out a stunning win to get out of the danger zone for the first time this season after edging out Sharks 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.

The win propelled Mathare to 15th in the log with 21 points, one place above the drop zone.

Western Stima who lost to leaders KCB occupy the playoff spot as Vihiga United dropped to the bottom of the log after losing to Posta Rangers.

Despite that, the three teams can still avoid the drop if they win all their remaining matches.

Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks’s danger man Erick Kapaito still leads the top scoring list with 22 goals followed by AFC Leopards’s Elvis Rupia with 15 goals.

William Wadri of Bandari is third with 13 goals followed by Lawrence Juma of Sofapaka with 12 goals.