Paul Mungai Kiongera scored a hatrick as KCB condemned Thika United to its fifth straight league defeat in a nail biting 3-2 victory on Saturday.
The striker was the star of the show as the bankers claimed a vital win in their fight to avoid the axe with the victory pushing them to 12th on the log with 20 points.
For Thika, it continued their recent wretched run of form that has seen them concede 15 goals in five games. While they may draw some comfort from their second half display, the Brookeside Boys will be aware that they were decidedly second best over the 90 minutes.
KCB went into the game seeking their first away victory in the league in exactly year and they duly went ahead on 20 minutes after Simon Mbugua handled the ball in the box and referee Amos Wanjala awarded a penalty.
Kiongera stepped up and found the bottom corner with an unerring strike.
The visitors made it 2-0 on 37 minutes when Kiongera nodded home the rebound after Benjamin Chaka’s acrobatic volley had bounced back off the cross bar.
Kiongera completed his hatrick eight minutes after the restart when he raced onto a long John Odhiambo pass and volleyed the ball past Hamza Muwonge.
It seemed done and dusted for KCB but Thika rallied to make the last half hour nervy and exciting.
The introduction of Mwinyi Kibwana for Michael Luvutsi was the catalyst with Ray Omondi pulling one back with a near post finish that somehow squirmed underneath KCB goalkeeper Zachariah Onyango on the hour mark.
Seven minutes later, Kibwana made it 3-2 with a long range freekick that again beat Onyango at his near post. KCB were rattled with several players giving their keeper an earful.
The victors also had chances to increase their lead but Kiongera and Samuel Mwangi fluffed their opportunities.
In the end, KCB just about held on while Thika were left ruing another defeat.
Game plan paid off - Okumbi
Mathare United coach Stanley Okumbi says his game plan and tactics paid off against Tusker in Friday’s Kenyan Premier League match, at the City Stadium.
Veteran defender Noah Abich returned to haunt his former employers with a brilliant freekick on the stroke of halftime to hand the slum boys a narrow 1-0 victory and extend their unbeaten run to five games.
Speaking after the match, a visibly happy Okumbi hailed his charges for playing as per instructions.
“It was a tough match, but our game plan won us the match. They have a deadly attack led by Were (Jesse), Wafula (Noah) and Kago (Danson), but our plan of locking them out and cutting off ball distribution from Mieno (Humphrey) worked out. We managed to contain Were and stop all their wingers from crossing the balls,” said Okumbi.
“We knew Tusker would come out with all guns blazing, but I am proud of my boys as they played as instructions. It was all a matter of sticking to our game plan. We are looking forward to continue with the same performance in our next game against City Stars.”
The win saw Mathare temporarily move up to the sixth place on the log with 29 points.
Nakuru derby ticket prices reduced
Former Kenyan Premier League champions Ulinzi Stars have reduced price tickets for this weekend’s Nakuru derby against Nakuru AllStars at the Afraha Stadium.
The second placed Ulinzi take on bottom rooted AllStars in what is expected to be an explosive encounter on Sunday.
And to attract huge fans turn out for the 1.30pm kick off clash that will be televised live on SuperSport, the main stand tickets will be retailed at Sh100 while terrace tickets will go at Sh50.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Ulinzi OIC Capt Joe Birgen urged fans to turn up in large numbers.
“We have reduced the ticket prices to attract more fans. This is a local derby and we should give our fans a chance to come out in large numbers and spice up the derby. We call on all fans to come out in large numbers and make this local derby a great one,” said Capt Birgen.
Sony wary of rejuvenated Barasa
Sony Sugar defender Joseph Omweri is wary of a rejuvenated Mike Barasa whom they will face when they take on Western Stima.
Barasa has returned from retirement to play for Stima, who have been struggling to score goals and has been relatively successful, thus far, scoring once and contributing heavily to their attack.
He will be a huge threat to Sony when the two sides meet at the Kisumu County Stadium in the Kenyan Premier League Saturday.
Omweri has played against Barasa before and knows that they will face a difficult time when they take him on.
“It will be a tough time for us because as he has shown over the years, he is a very very good striker,” he said.
“I have played against him before and I know how massive and experienced player he is, added to his movement which is very good, plus he is very clinical.”
“Stima too are in good form and we know that we have to play well, probably at our best if we are to get a result,” he added.
Sony’s last clash in the KPL was a 1-0 win over AFC Leopards and Omweri wants his teammates to build on the massive win.
“It was a momentous win for us and the plan will be to continue from there and ensure that we get points which we badly need.”
“After the Leopards win, confidence has risen and now we have the belief that we can beat any team as long as we play to the best of our capability,” he added.
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário