KCB beat Ulinzi to move joint top with Gor

Bandari FC's Zakayo Keegan (left) and Austine Odhiambo of Gor Mahia during FKF Premier League at Nyayo National Stadium yesterday. [Jonah Onyango Standard]

KCB, last year's runners up, yesterday defeated Ulinzi Stars 2-0 to move joint top of the FKF Premier League alongside record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia and Kakamega Homeboyz.

The bankers were seeking to get back to their winning ways after a barren draw against Bandari in the mid week fixture on Wednesday while the soldiers were out to end their three-game winless streak.

Derrick Otanga and Michael Oduor scored in each half to hand the bankers their fifth win of the campaign at Kasarani Stadium. 

The win also saw KCB move joint top of the standings alongside Homeboyz and Gor with 18 points but having played one match more than the two other teams.

KCB took the lead in the 20th minute when David Simiyu capitalised on a defensive lapse to pass the ball to the unmarked Michael Oduor who fired past goal keeper James Saruni.

The two teams played the remaining 25 minutes without a goal for the bankers to lead 1-0 at the break.

In the final half, substitute Derrick Otanga picked a back pass from Kevin Ouma before beating Saruni from close range to double KCB's advantage 13 minutes to the final whistle to seal the victory.

Ulinzi dropped to 10th on the log after the defeat in their third match of the new season.

Elsewhere, defending champions Tusker's poor form in the local league continued after they were held to a barren draw by Sofapaka at Ruaraka grounds. 

The draw left Tusker 14th on the log with seven points same as Mathare United, just a point above the relegation zone. 

At the same time, Gor Mahia were also forced to a 0-0 draw by visiting Bandari at Nyayo Stadium. 

Despite the stalemate, Gor managed to reclaim the top spot in the league standings as they extended their unbeaten start in the 2021/2022 season to eight games. Bandari remained fifth with 15 points. 

In Kakamega, bottom-placed Vihiga Bullets scored a stoppage time penalty to hold AFC Leopards to a 1-1 draw.