KCB FC solidified their title credentials as they moved joint top of the table following their 1-0 win over Nairobi City Stars courtesy of a goal from Kevin ‘Daddy’ Owino in a match played at the Kasarani Annex.Elsewhere in Ruaraka, Tusker dropped two crucial points following a 2-2 draw against FC Talanta after surrendering a two-goal advantage to extend their winless run to three games.Ibrahim Joshua opened the scoring in the third minute as they doubled their lead in the 12th minute through Shammy Kibwana but Talanta pulled one back in the 33rd minute.##NAJAVA_MECA_6954606##Dennis Oalo equalized for Talanta at the stroke of the hour mark to snatch a point for Talanta.City Stars head coach Nicholas Muyoti revealed that despite doing their home work against KCB, the Bankers threw a curve ball and had to rework their game plan.”The game was tough, the last time we saw KCB we thought they would come with the same strategy but they didn’t, we got a little mixed up but we read the game and came back better in the second half,” said Muyoti.His counterpart Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was delighted to collect his fourth victory on the spin but admitted that it has not been a walk in the park.”I have to congratulate the boys, so far they have played four matches this year and it’s not easy considering the timing and spacing of the games and I have to thank the boys,” said Zico.City Stars came into the game following a morale boosting 1-0 win over Sofapaka FC which marked their first win of the season that started abysmally collecting just two points that resulted from draws against Kariobangi Sharks and Posta Rangers.The Bankers on the other hand have posted a blistering start to 2023 winning all their three games against Gor Mahia, FC Talanta and Kariobangi Sharks.KCB carried their red hot form into the start of the game and took only 12 minutes to open their scoring with Henry Onyango firing a pass across the face of goal that found Kevin ‘Daddy’ Owino who rifled the ball into the roof of the net for the opener.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s charges did not relent after the opener as they continued to press their foot on the gas but Francis Kahiro squandered a number of chances.City Stars grew into the game and started exerting themselves in possession with their first chance coming in the 40th minute when Ezekiel Odera set up Oliver Maloba who released a ferocious shot that just sailed wide as KCB went into the break with a 1-0 lead.Simba wa Nairobi returned into the second half a much rejuvenated side as they dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge to break down the sturdy KCB defense.The Bankers upped the ante in the closing stages of the half as Samuel Mwangi won a free kick just on the edge of the box as Michael Oduor drew a smart save from Jacob Osano who had to outstretch to palm the ball out.City Stars XI: Jacob Osano, Calvins Masawa, Herit Mungai, Kennedy Onyango, Rooney Kola, Clifford Otieno, Kapen Samuel, Elvis Noor (Daniel Odhiambo 60′), Oliver Maloba, Ezekiel Odera (Vincent Otieno 60′), Anthony Kimani.Subs: Elvis Ochoro, Rowland Makati, Elly Osotsi, Kelvin Injili, Newton Ochieng, Dennis Wanjala, Kisilu Andrew.KCB XI: Gabriel Andika, Haniff Wesonga, Nashon Alembi, Maurice Owino, Harun Mwale, Michael Mutinda (Brian Ochieng 80′), Kennedy Owino, Danson Namasaka, Francis Kahiro (Nicholas Kipkirui 80′), Henry Onyango (Samuel Mwangi 63′), James Mazembe (Michael Oduor 63′).Subs: Bryne Omondi, Rama Mwenda, Derrick Otieno, John Mwangi, Enock Agwanda, Hillary Dukussy, Kevin Okumu, Mohammed Kilume.
