KCB crush Ushuru as Sony Sugar boost survival chances in top-tier Kenyan Premier League with victory at Thika United

KRA Douglas Okumu (L) hang for header against Mungai Kiongera of KCB during their KPL match at City Stadium, Nairobi. KCB won 1-0.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

KCB hammered Ushuru 3-0 in a SportPesa Premier League match at Nyayo Stadium.

Goals from Eli Asieche, Paul Kiongera and John Odhiambo gave the bankers the much-needed win.

The bankers were quick off the blocks with Asieche scoring within the first 10 seconds after a lapse in concentration by the tax men. Kiongera headed the ball into Asieche’s path and the latter made no mistake.

Ken Kenyatta’s men reacted instantly, initiating attacks, which unfortunately bore no fruits. In the eighth minute, Moses Arita smashed a shot from outside the 18-yard box but was well over the bar.

KCB, who are fighting relegation, showed unmatched determination and were rewarded when Daniel Otieno fouled Kiongera in the danger zone in the 17th minute and the latter successfully converted the penalty to double the advantage.

The tax collectors could have halved the deficit on the hour mark, but Hassan failed to convert from inside the six yard box when played in by Bernard Coulibaly. That was the last meaningful attempt as the sides headed for a break.

Ushuru came back eager to get a goal, pressing from all departments but were unfortunate in the 53rd minute when Roosvelt Blatty’s shot went over the bar.

That miss came back to haunt them as the Bankers trippled their advantage courtesy of Odhiambo in the 66th minute.

Elsewhere, Sony Sugar’s bid to stay in Kenya’s top tier next season has been hugely boosted after a 2-0 win away to Thika United, yesterday. Andrew Sekayombya’s strike and Collins Okumu’s own goal gave Salim Babu victory.

The match started on a high note with both teams trying to settle early on, with the ball flying from one end to another and Sony getting an early chance.

Justin Monda’s free kick, in the 15th, however, did not trouble the Thika United’s custodian as it went straight at him, and he opted to punch out for a fruitless corner.

From that point on, the sugarcane farmers looked dangerous, dictating play from all angles, but until the end of the first half, no team had a clean chance on goal.

Salim’s men made their intentions clear in the 57th minute when the visitors won a corner, which was played in by Robert Omunuk.

The ball was cleared towards him again and his shot was deflected into the net by Okoth.

Thika United looked out of ideas and it was no surprise when Sekayombya added a second after a neat pass by the dangerous Omunuk. Sony are now placed ninth with 34 points and Thika United 12th with 32.