KCB fielded a revamped squad with Bonphas Munyasa starting in goal to replace Farouk Shikhalo, who is on national team duties alongside winger Patrick Otieno.
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) extended their lead on top of the FKF Kenyan Premier League table after defeating Tusker FC 3 – 2 at the Sportpesa Arena in Murang’a on 26th October, 2024.
KCB fielded a revamped squad with Bonphas Munyasa starting in goal to replace Farouk Shikhalo, who is on national team duties alongside winger Patrick Otieno. Faraj Ominde and James Kinyanjui were both also returned to the starting eleven after missing out last match, with Faraj having served his one match ban. Tusker was similarly affected, missing the services of key midfielder Chrispin Erambo due to international commitments.
KCB started the match steamed up and caught their opponents off guard. Striker Francis Kahiro opened the scoring in the 5th minute, finishing off a well-placed pass from James Kinyanjui. Kahiro added his second just seven minutes later, heading in a cross from Kevin Okumu.
As the first half neared its end, Tusker managed to pull one back. Captain Charles Momanyi nodded the ball to Ryan Ogam from a Mike Oduor’s corner at the back post. Ogam scored bringing the score to 2 – 1 as the teams headed into halftime.
KCB coach Patrick Odhiambo made tactical changes at the break, introducing on Michael Mutinda, Joshua Nyatini & Vincent Ondabu for Farraj Ominde, Danson Namasaka & Stephen Etyang while Tusker coach substituted out Mike Oduor and Dennis Wanjala for Naaman Balecho and Luvanda.
Tusker nearly equaled the score in the 50th minute when David Odoyo struck a brilliant shot from a distance but Munyasa denied him with a stunning save resulting to a corner kick.
In the 60th minute, Kinyanjui dashed Tusker’s hopes of levelling the match by scoring KCB’s third goal following a dazzling move by substitute Vincent Ondabu, who beat two defenders before delivering a perfect low cross.
Tusker continued to push for a goal and their persistence paid off late in the game when Ryan Ogam was tripped in the box, earning a penalty kick. The striker took matters into his own hands and scored the penalty with the game ending 3 – 2.