• “It was a good outcome against a tough opponent and the boys deserve a pat on the back,” Otieno said.
• As the seasoned tactician delighted in his victory, his opposite number Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo rued a missed opportunity to bag maximum points.
Image: TONY MBALLA
KCB head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was ecstatic after his charges fought off a tough challenge to pip Kenya Police 1-0 at Kasarani Annex in Nairobi on Sunday.
An exquisite rasping strike by Michael Oduor earned the bankers the maximum points in the 44th minute.
“It was a good outcome against a tough opponent and the boys deserve a pat on the back,” Otieno said.
The gaffer extolled his team for displaying great character and punching above their weight in the cut-throat encounter.
“The whole plan was replicated on the pitch and I’m happy we are getting things right early in the season,” Otieno said.
As the seasoned tactician delighted in his victory, his opposite number Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo rued a missed opportunity to bag maximum points.
“We played well but failed to utilise the numerous chances we created,” Omollo said. “Hopefully, we’ll sharpen our striking force in our subsequent matches because we must score goals to win matches.”
Meanwhile, hosts Bandari survived an early scare to edge Sofapaka 2-1 in a closely contested Kenyan Premier League encounter at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa on Sunday.
Kenyan international Abdalla Hassan cut short the celebrations with an equaliser eight minutes after Joe Waithera scored the first goal for the visitors barely four minutes into the match.
A stoppage-time screamer by Felix Oluoch was all the dockers needed to secure maximum points and set their season in motion.
In another encounter, Kariobangi Sharks shrugged off their underdog tag to hold pre-match favourites Talanta 2-2 at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
Despite the departure of several key players at the end of the previous season, Sharks displayed unexpected brilliance and looked the better side throughout the action-packed encounter.
The hosts had to rally from behind after Brian Yakhama’s effort in the fourth minute upset the tide and gave Talanta the lead.
Sharrif Musa, however, pulled off the magic wand with two superb strikes in the sixth and 29th minutes to set the season in motion for coach William Muluya’s charges.
Just as Sharks looked set for a win, a 70th-minute effort brought Talanta back into the game, effectively ruining the party.
Bidco United asserted their authority early in the campaign by stunning hosts Nairobi City Stars 2-0 at Nyayo Stadium.
David Gateri pounced on a loose ball in the area to put the visitors ahead in the 24th minute before Juma Hassan doubled the advantage in the 36th minute with another splendid effort from close range.
The match pitting Wazito against Vihiga Bullets was postponed following an appeal lodged by APS Bomet at the Sports Disputes Tribunal last week on Wednesday.