Last season’s runners up KCB moved to the top of table after sinking Nairobi City Stars 1-0 an FKF Premier League match played on Friday afternoon at the Ruaraka Grounds.City Stars were missing a host of their first XI players with the backline the worst hit department. Salim Abdallah, Kennedy Onyango and Kevin Okumu all missed the game through injury and illness. Midfield maestro Peter Opiyo who bagged a brace over the weekend equally sat out of the game.KCB started the game on a high in search an early breakthrough against a largely depleted Simba wa Nairobi. James Mazembe, Henry Onyango and Derrick Otanga put pressure on makeshift backline in the opening stages but they managed to cope with wherever was thrown their way.At the other end, City Stars looked dangerous on the break with their quick transition catching the Bankers flat foot on a few occasions.The first real opportunity went the Bankers’ way in the 18th minute when Mazembe collected a City Stars misspass and set up Michael Oduor, the latter’s shot from the edge of the area went straight into Jacob Osano’s waiting arms. City Stars’ first attempt on goal came in the 31st minute through Oliver Maloba whose shot was easily gathered by Gabriel Andika. Andika was called into action again in the 41st minute to deny Ezekiel Odera with a superb clearance.The first real second half opportunity went the visitors’ way in the 57th minute when Brian Ochieng curled the ball from the edge of the area before Osano denied him him what looked like an imminent goal by pulling a fantastic save. The Bankers appeared to switch the gears but just like in the first half, City Stars easily dealt with the pressure.City Stars on the other hand had a couple of opportunities through set pieces. Timothy Ouma hit directly on the wall in the 62nd minute and two minutes later he headed an Edwin Buliba delivery over the bar.Just as it looked like the game would end even, substitute David Owino won it for the Bankers. KCB won a freekick on the right which Owino stepped forward to take. His effort hit the upright and came off a City Stars player into the back of the.KCB defended the lead to go top in the log with 21 points.
