Goals by Ezekiel Odera and substitute Rodgers Okuse Okumu for Nairobi City Stars turned out to be consolations as KCB rode on a Derrick Otanga hattrick to win a matchday 31 FKF Premier League tie in Kasarani 3-2 on Saturday 21 May 2022.
It’s the second straight season that KCB has completed a double over City Stars in what was the ninth win in 12 home games.
The two teams were level at 1-1 going to the break but KCB were to add two more in the next half for a 3-1 lead before Simba wa Nairobi managed to grab one back to end it at 3-2.
Otanga opened the scoring with a minute to half time from a penalty awarded after a City Stars player handled in the box. Keeper Jacob Osano timed it right but punched it gloriously back to Otanga who, with a second bite on the cherry, scored off the rebound.
Less than three minutes later it was level at 1-1 after Odera fired past keeper Gabriel Andika from the spot – for his ninth goal of the season – after Timothy Babu Ouma was felled in the box.
Three minutes into the second half, KCB went up 2-1 after keeper Osano fumbled a cross for the ball to generously fall in the path of Otanga who fired into an empty net.
Otanga was at it again in the 61st minute when he chested home a cut back from the byline off a quick counterattack to complete his hattrick.
City Stars grabbed their second in the 85th minute when substitute Okuse, in for Odera in the 70th minute, lobbed Andika from the left after receiving a sure pass from Sven Yidah.
City Stars could have counted a second goal ten minutes before Okuse’s goal had a rebound from Andika, off a Babu freekick, not been smacked against the woodwork by skipper Anthony Muki Kimani.
After the Saturday results, City Stars held on to the fourth spot, with 50 points, as KCB moved to the eighth spot with 43 points.
Next up for Simba wa Nairobi is a home game against Gor Mahia in Narok on Saturday 28 May 2022 starting 3 pm.
Lineups
KCB: 22. Gabriel Andika, 26. Hillary Wandera, 5. Nahashon Nanyendo, 13. Robinson Kamura, 23. Baraka Badi, 4. Michael Mutinda – captain, 19. Brian Ochieng, 28. Michael Oduor (29. Kilume Mohammed-65), 30. John Mwangi (18. Enock Agwanda-71), 20. Henry Onyango [(9. Reagan Otieno -71 (18. Dennis Odhiambo-85)], 11. Derrick Otanga
Unused subs: 1. David Okello (GK) 7. Simon Munala, 27. Harun Thomas, 27. Harun Thomas, 3. Sydney Lokale, 6. Allan Akendo.
Coach: Zedekiah Otieno
Nairobi City Stars: 16. Jacob Osano, 19. Kevin Okumu, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 28. Herit Mungai, 18. Sven Yidah, 5. Michael Madoya (15. John Kamau-46), 30. Anthony Kimani- Captain (2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo-85), 20. Timothy Noor Ouma, 17. Nicholas Kipkirui (31. Mohammed Bajaber-46), 32. Ezekiel Odera (7. Rodgers Okumu-70)
Unused subs: 1. Elvis Ochoro, 4. Salim Abdallah, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 26. Dennis Wanjala
Out: 3. Charles Otieno, 6. Ronney Kola, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 10. Peter Opiyo, 11. Davis Agesa, 14. Rowland Makati, 21. Oliver Maloba, 23. Stephen Njunge, 24. Erick Ombija, 27. Lennox Ogutu, 29. Augustine Kuta
Coach: Nicholas Muyoti
Cautions (Yellow cards)
KCB: None
Nairobi City Stars: None
Goals
KCB: 11. Derrick Otanga (44,48,61)
Nairobi City Stars: 32. Ezekiel Odera (45+), 7. Rodgers Okumu (85)