KCB shook off their torrid start to the season to go second on the Kenyan Premier League log, following their 2-0 win over rivals Ulinzi Stars at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Sunday.
Head coach, Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno reckons that their back-to-back wins have put them on course for a maiden title hunt after a heartbreaking preceding season where they wounded up as runners-up behind champions Tusker.
“This was a huge win for us and a clear indication we are a force to reckon with heading into the heated stages of the competition. At this moment, though, we are only keen on posting good results and we are taking one match at a time,” said Zico.
His opposite number Stephen Ocholla said they played well despite the loss. “Our only shortcoming was the failure to make use of the glaring chances that came our way. This is a minor setback and we hope to bounce back in our subsequent fixture,” said Ocholla.
Michael Oduor fired the bankers ahead in the 20th minute before Derrick Otanga struck in the 70th minute to put the results beyond doubt, effectively consolidating his position as this season's Golden Boot contender.
Following the outcome, KCB now have 18 points same as leaders Gor Mahia who, however, enjoy a healthier goal difference.
A stoppage-time penalty awarded to Vihiga Bullets denied AFC Leopards maximum points in another entertaining encounter at Bukhungu Stadium.
The 13-time Kenyan champions battled tooth and nail and were assured of bagging their second consecutive win in a week before a grave howler in the defensive third scuttled their dreams at the eleventh hour.
Eugene Mukangula's strike on the stroke of half-time had propelled coach Patrick Aussem charges to the driving seat. Leopards have slumped to the 13th spot with a paltry eight points after nine outings.
Record champions, Gor Mahia, failed to capitalise on home advantage after playing out to a barren draw with Bandari at Nyayo Stadium. The draw extended Gor's unbeaten run to eight matches this season.
Coach Mark Harrison has urged his strikers to sharpen their claws more to enable them to run away with the title this season.
“It's only important that we learn first how to be clinical in front of goal. Our midfielders also ought to be more creative and make the necessary supplies upfront that have lacked in our recent matches,” said Harrison.
Champions Tusker were held to a barren draw by Sofapaka at Ruaraka grounds. The brewers had an opportunity to go ahead early in the game when former AFC Leopards skipper Isaac Kipyegon picked out Ibrahim Joshua with a pinpoint pass in the area, but the Tanzanian nodded his header inches wide.
In the 80th minute, Joseph Njuguna rattled the woodwork with a rasping shot on the edge of the box after barging past his markers.
It was Boniface Muchiri's final game in the brewers' yellow and black outfit as he prepares for a new career with the Kenya Defence Forces after five years of service.
Posta Rangers bounced back from their slim 1-0 loss to Leopards at Nyayo Stadium last Wednesday to halt Talanta's two-match unbeaten run with a convincing 2-0 scoreline at Thika Stadium.
