Bankers see off Bandari 3-0 to dislodge Tusker from the summit of top-flight
KCB were in dominant form as they thrashed visitors Bandari FC 3-0 at Utalii grounds yesterday to go top of the BetKing Premier League with 36 points.
Goals from Harun Thomas, David Simiyu and Derrick Otanga were enough to give the Bankers full points much to the satisfaction of coach Zedekiah Otieno.
“It was a well deserved victory and we pressed and made them uncomfortable. I am happy for the boys after the solid performance.”
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The first half was a woeful one for the visitors as they were outplayed by the slick footed Bankers from the word go. KCB were quick on the build up and swift on attacks as Bandari failed to defend.
The opening goal which was notched in the 15th minute came against the run play when an intercepted ball from the left found Reagan Otieno in the inside corner to square what seemed an easy ball to find the arriving feet of the burly Simiyu for the clinical opener as the Bankers wheeled away in celebration.
Missed chances
As the Dockers attempted to make a comeback, they exposed their backline with wing backs Mohammed Siraj and Amai Atariza constantly being found in the wrong territory.
KCB had Henry Onyango and Reagan Otieno in sizzling form as they opened the opposing defenders with quick touch passes with the target being Simiyu playing the central role of attack.
A cynical challenge by Atariza on Otieno in the 21st minute was adjudged to be a foul with the Bankers left back David Ambulu delivering a sumptuous ball into the area and as the Bandari backline was arranging itself, Harun Thomas was in the right place to place an inch perfect ball into the net past Burundian goalkeeper Justin Ndikumana for the second.
KCB were in no mood for games as they constantly pressed their opponents in their own half with neat inter-passing as coach Otieno shouted instructions non-stop while his counterpart Andre Casa Mbungo looked lost and shocked even.
The target-men for Bandari William Wadri and Abdallah Hassan found it difficult to breach the steady Bankers defence covered by Nashon Nanyendo.
In the second half, it was all the same as Bandari searched for goals without success and in the 85th minute it came as no surprise as substitute Derrick Otanga buried the winning goal beyond Ndikumana for what was a well deserved three points.
Bandari can count themselves lucky for not conceding more considering KCB substitutes Martin Mbugua and Victor Omune missed chances.
Meanwhile Mathare United came from the back twice to hold hosts Nzoia United 2-2. It was one well earned point for the slum boys who are still getting used to life following the sacking of coach Salim Ali last week.
Bandari had no proper response even after bringing in Ugandan attacker Umaru Kasumba for centre back Brian Otieno as the traditional stopper role reverted to Felly Mulumba who was until the 27th minute a holding midfielder.
