KCB FC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mathare United in an entertaining SportPesa League encounter at Kasarani Stadium courtesy of goals from winger December Kisakah and Defender Ammaton Samunya.
Coming into the match, Mathare United head coach John Kamau made several changes following his side’s 1-1 draw against Posta Rangers.
New signing Daglas Mokaya was handed his first start for the club, while Francis Kayugi returned to the heart of defence. Goalkeeper Daniel Odiwuor was trusted once again, making his second consecutive start between the posts.
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KCB, on the other hand, also rang the changes after their previous outing.
Kelvin Etemesi, Richard Omondi and Omar Chirchir were all named in the starting XI as the bankers sought to rediscover their winning rhythm.
KCB bounce back to winning ways against Mathare United
Mathare United started the match on the front foot and should have taken an early lead in the 15th minute.
A flurry of chances orchestrated by Musa Masika and John Nyawir put the KCB defence under sustained pressure, but the Slum Boys failed to apply the finishing touch despite getting good balls into the danger area.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 23rd minute. A superb ball from deep by Masika was expertly chested down by Isaac Omweri, who then delivered a dangerous cross into the box.
KCB defender Victor Odhiambo could only blast the ball into his own net while attempting to clear, handing Mathare United a deserved 1-0 lead.
KCB responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Richard Omondi tested the Mathare goalkeeper with a long-range effort in the 39th minute, while December Kisakah, who had replaced the injured Omar Chirchir, immediately made his presence felt.
In the 40th minute, Kisakah delivered an incisive cross that found Kelvin Etemesi unmarked, but the attacker misjudged the chance and sent his effort over the bar.
The visitors’ pressure eventually paid off just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Kisakah capped off an impressive cameo by finding the back of the net to restore parity, ensuring both sides went into the break level at 1-1.
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The second half began with renewed intensity from both teams. Mathare made a change at the restart, introducing Elli Asieche for Daglas Mokaya, while KCB brought on Mathews Angal and Fortune Omoto in place of Francis Kahiro and Richard Omondi.
KCB took the lead in the 52nd minute when defender Amatton Samunya finished off from Angal’s well-delivered corner kick, completing the comeback.
Mathare United responded by introducing attacking midfielder Brian Ouru and forward Michael Oduor, a move that injected fresh energy into their play. The Slum Boys pushed KCB deep into their own half, but Samunya, Victor Odhiambo and Nashon Wekesa were immense at the back, making crucial clearances to deny Mathare a way back.
Masika came close in the 73rd minute after dancing into the area, but his deflected shot was comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper. KCB also had to rely on a superb diving save in the 82nd minute to preserve their lead as pressure mounted.
In the end, KCB held firm to secure their third win in their last five matches against Mathare United.
Mathare United vs KCB FC SportPesa League Lineups
Mathare United: Daniel Odiwuor, Francis Kayugi, John Nyawir, Fidel Otieno, Ian Omondi, Brian Ochieng, Dennis Ng’ang’a, Isaac Omweri, John Makwata, Musa Masika, Daglas Mokaya.
KCB: Elvis Ochieng’, Nashon Wekesa, Memphrey Wandera, Amatton Samunya, Victor Odhiambo, Dennis Maruti, Kelvin Etemesi, Humphrey Mieno, Francis Kahiro, Richard Omondi, Omar Chirchir.