KCB FC registered a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mara Sugar in a tightly contested SportPesa League clash played at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, with Rowland Makati’s second-half strike proving to be the difference as the Bankers secured their 10th win of the season.
The match started at a high tempo, with both sides showing early intent in search of an opening goal. Mara Sugar looked more threatening in the opening exchanges, creating the first clear chances of the game, but KCB’s defense remained compact to keep the scores level.
The biggest opportunity of the first half came in the 15th minute when Timothy Ndayala found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful snapshot that sailed just inches wide of the post, much to the relief of the KCB defense.
Ndayala continued to trouble the Bankers’ backline, and in the 21st minute he was again presented with a golden chance, but goalkeeper Arnold Monzobo reacted quickly to produce a fine save and deny him.
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Mara Sugar kept pushing forward, and around the half-hour mark Richard Omondi came close with a header, but it failed to trouble the goalkeeper. A well-worked move in midfield later saw Timothy Ndayala break down the right wing and deliver a dangerous low cross into the box, but the resulting shot from jersey number 16 was well handled by Monzobo, who pushed the ball out for a corner in the 39th minute.
From the resulting set piece, KCB managed to clear the initial danger, but the second ball fell kindly to Jimmy Owili whose ferocious strike forced Monzobo into yet another brilliant save to keep the score goalless heading into halftime.
The second half began with Mara Sugar pressing high and forcing KCB to sit deep, relying on long balls from the wings to try and unlock the defense.
However, KCB head coach Robert Matano responded with tactical changes, introducing December Kisakah and David Sakwa for Kelvin Etemesi and Richard Omondi to inject fresh energy in attack.
The changes nearly paid off in the 70th minute when Rowland Makati delivered a delightful cross that found December Kisakah, but his diving header struck the crossbar before goalkeeper Ogenda recovered to make the save.
Just a minute later, KCB finally broke the deadlock. Francis Kahiro’s delivery struck a Mara Sugar defender, and the loose ball fell kindly to Rowland Makati, who calmly slotted into an empty net to give KCB a crucial lead.
Mara Sugar responded with substitutions, bringing on Tonny Opondo for Cliff Nyakeya in the 67th minute and David Omondi for Alex Imbusia in the 78th minute as they pushed for an equalizer. Despite their late pressure, KCB’s defense stood firm to secure all three points.
The victory strengthens KCB’s push in the SportPesa League standings as Robert Matano’s side continues to build momentum, while Mara Sugar will be left to reflect on missed chances that could have changed the outcome of the match.
SportPesa League Round 26 Saturday results
- Bandari FC 1-0 Bidco United
- KCB FC 1-0 Mara Sugar
- Posta Rangers 0-2 Kakamega Homeboyz
Starting Line-ups
- KCB FC Starting XI: Arnold Monzobo, Fadhil Masoud, Siraj Mohammed, Amatton Samunya, Clyde Senaji, Humphrey Mieno, Richard Omondi, Rowland Makati, Bonface Omondi, Francis Kahiro, Kelvin Etemesi.
- Mara Sugar Starting XI: Ogenda, Okwenda, Openda, Robinson, Jimmy, Harun, Wafula, Nyakeya, Aineah, Imbusia, Ndayala.