Kiongera’s lone goal gives KCB hopes of surviving in KPL race

KRA Edwin Misiko(L) and Raymond Murugi of KCB battle for the ball possession during their KPL. Match at City Stadium, Nairobi on Friday 22/08/14.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Simba SC-bound Paul Kiongera scored for KCB in 20th minute as the bankers stopped KRA 1-0 in this crucial Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at City Stadium yesterday.

The loss was the third in a row for the taxmen, recently been on a losing trend. Coach Ken Kenyatta said they did not play well.

“Our reaction in the first half was a bit disappointing and when we tried to come back it was difficult and we just couldn’t do it. We did not expect to lose our third match but the bankers were more determined and for that we give it to them,” he said.

Rishadi Shedu, the winners’ coach, praised his team for putting up a fight throughout the 90 minutes.

“Coming into this match, we knew it was a must win and rather than intimidate us, it raised our spirits and the result ended up in our favour,” he said.
He praised goal scorer Paul Kiongera for leading by example.

“Today, he should have scored at least five goals. He gave it his all and he continues to be a great motivation to the rest of the team,” he said.

From the 25th minute, it was Kiongera against Philip Odhiambo in the KRA goal. First, he punched out Kiongera’s header for a corner in the 25th minute. Five minutes later, Kiongera’s pin-point header was put out again and in the 35th minute it was the same story.

The last goal bound effort from Kiongera came in the 40th minute but this time it was a long range shot that troubled Odhiambo in goal but ended up in a corner for the bankers.

KRA made the first change resting Edwin Misiko for Roosevelt Blatty and this gave them plenty of options upfront but was still not enough to help them come back into the game.

KCB are now one better place (on the log) than Nairobi City Stars, also staring at relegation in the face.