KCB 0-1 Sofapaka: Batoto ba Mungu dent Bankers’ title hopes
The visitors have prevented the hosts from widening the gap at the summit following a slim but vital win at Ruaraka grounds
Sofapaka produced a stunning 1-0 result to jolt KCB’s chances of moving clear at the top of the FKF Premier League table on Saturday.
It was former Gor Mahia midfielder Lawrence Juma who scored the all-important goal for Batoto ba Mungu in the 35th minute to help end the team’s run of two straight defeats in the top-flight.
The Bankers had come into the match sitting at the top of the 18-team table, tied on 36 points with AFC Leopards but ahead on goal difference, and knew a win will push them three points clear at the summit.
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It was Sofapaka who started the game on a high note and should have taken the lead in the 18th minute but, instead of looping the ball into the net, Curtis Wekesa tried his luck to bend it but the shot went over the bar.
But in the 35th minute, Batoto ba Mungu took the lead against the run of play after Juma dribbled past the entire KCB defence before beating goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka with a low effort.
Sofapaka headed into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead and were a more rejuvenated side for the second period as Titus Achesa combined well with Juma, but the latter’s final decision could not yield any goals.
In the 73rd minute, Vincent Wasambo almost scored an equaliser for KCB but Sofapaka goalkeeper Kevin Omondi was up to the task to clear his effort out for a fruitless corner.
The win will ease the pressure on Sofapaka coach Ken Odhiambo after he had lost two straight matches but it will leave KCB needing to bounce back if they are to remain in contention to win the title for the first time in history.
In another match, Nairobi City Stars made it two wins out of two following a 2-1 win against struggling Kariobangi Sharks.
Simba wa Nairobi took the lead through Peter Opiyo, who converted from the penalty spot in the 48th minute before second-half substitute Oliver Maloba smashed home the second goal in off the crossbar in the 54th minute.
KCB: Joseph Ochuka, Baraka Badi, David Ambula, Harun Thomas, Nashon Nanyendo, Brian Ndenga, Curtis Wekesa, Vincent Wasambo, David Simiyu, Henry Onyango, and Reagan Otieno.
Subs: Daniel Odiwuor, Samuel Mwangi, Michael Oduor, Martin Mbugua, Victor Ochami, Derrick Otanga, Michael Mutinda, Rama Mwenda, and Brian Wepo.
Sofapaka: Kevin Omondi, Mohammed Kilume, David Nshimirimana, Pistone Mutamba, Roy Okal, Ambrose Sifuna, Michael Kibwage, Alex Imbusia, Titus Achesa, Isaac Mitima, and Lawrence Juma.
Subs: Simon Masaka, Sammy Imbuye, Sunday Ikekhai, Paul Kiongera, Kepha Aswani, David King’atua, Collins Wakhungu, Joseph Waithira, and Nixon Omondi.
