A lone goal in the 43rd minute by Henry Onyango proved the difference as KCB registered a 1-0 win over Nairobi City Stars in a second round Premier League game played at Kasarani’s outer pitch on Friday 4th December 2020.
Onyango had a second bite on the cherry after his first attempt was parried back into play, and on take-two, roofed the ball to the far post with a right footer past Steve Njunge in City Stars goal to settle the game of nerves.
Both teams came to the game with wins from the opening round; KCB with a 3-0 win over Posta Rangers and City Stars with a 2-0 win over Nzoia Sugar, but with the latest win, KCB shoots to the top of the table with maximum six points ahead of further league games at the weekend.
Simba wa Nairobi called the tune early and had a goal in the 12th minute when Kenedy Vidic Onyango headed in a corner only for it to be ruled out due to a handball by a City Stars player.
KCB was forced into an early change in the 20th minute when center back Bethwel Warambo had to go out due to a recurrent injury with forward Victor Omondi taking up his place which led to readjustment to positioning at the back.
Not too long after the tempo of the game changed as KCB took advantage of lost balls in midfield to patrol the flanks to go forward leading to the goal at the brink of half time.
Second half saw the introduction of dangerman Enock Agwanda by KCB alongside Vincent Wasambo, but it is City Stars that dictated the pace of the game upon entry of Sven Yidah, Laiser Hill alumnus Timothy Ouma, Ezekiel Odera, as well as winger Rodgers Okumu and defender Edwin Buliba who both earned their Premier League debuts.
A header by Davis Agesa, a long ranger by Peter Opiyo and cheeky heel clip by Ezekiel Odera, all off target, highlighted the final quarter of the game but KCB held on for their eighth home win over City Stars in 11 premier league games since the 2005/6 season.
City Stars players donned black armbands on their sleeves in respect of their fallen team manager Neville Ovi Oduor Pudo who passed on in the morning of game day.
Lineups
KCB: 1. Joseph Ochuka Okoth, 8. Dennis Odhiambo, 2. Rama Mwenda, 13. Bethwel Warambo ((17. Victor Omondi-20′(5.Nahashon Nanyendo-89′)), 23. Baraka Badi, 4. Michael Mutinda, 26. David Owino Ambulu, 7. Simon Munala (Captain), 19. Brian Ochieng (14. Vincent Wasambo-57′), 11. Derrick Otanga (29. Ian Motanda-89), 15. Henry Onyango (18. Enock Agwanda-57′)
Unused subs: 22. Gabriel Andika, 15. Brian Wepo, 25. Antonio Abwao, 6. Moses Odhiambo
Coach: Zedekiah Zico Otieno
Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 27. Azizi Okaka (12. Edwin Buliba-71), 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo (18. Sven Yidah-59), 10. Peter Opiyo (captain from 66′), 30. Anthony Kimani – Captain (20. Timothy Noor Ouma-66′), 21. Oliver Maloba (32. Ezekiel Odera-71′), 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth (7.Rodgers Okumu-59′), 11. Davis Agesa
Unused subs: 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 8. Calvin Masawa,
Coach: Sanjin Alagic (Bosnia)
Not considered for City Stars: 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 17. Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa, 3. Charles Otieno, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 15. John Kamau, 24. Erick Ombija (injuries), 19. Jimmy Bageya, 16. Jacob Osano (sickness), 5. Wesley Onguso
Yellow cards: Anthony Kimani (Nairobi City stars-35), 26. David Owino (KCB-70′), 7. Simon Munala (KCB-90′)
Scores: KCB 1 (Henry Onyango-43′), Nairobi City Stars 0
Match Officials: Maxim Itur (MC), Andrew Juma (Centre Ref), Godfrey Ndeva (AR1), Hannah Njambi (AR2), Winnie Were (Reserve Ref)