Otanga netted the lone goal on his return to KCB as the Bankers had enough to edge ten-man AFC Leopards at Kasarani
Derrick Otanga's goal was enough as KCB beat 10-man AFC Leopards in an FKFPL match played at the Kasarani Stadium on Friday afternoon.
After a rather dull opening first 30 minutes, the game sprang to life when Steven Etyang of KCB tested Humphrey Katasi’s net, forcing the former Nzoia Sugar custodian into praying the ball behind for a corner kick.
Leopards then got a chance from a counter attack after dealing well with the resultant corner, with the ball landing between Jaffari Owiti’s legs, but the pacey winger fluffed his lines by sailing the ball wide.
Leopards then got another chance moments later, but striker Yasin Sije just could not \find his shooting boots as his attempt ballooned way over the bar.
11:43 - 01.09.2023
FOOTBALL AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia to each earn extra multi millions after agreeing separate Azam TV deal
Although every FKF PL club is guaranteed part of the Ksh 148 million a year deal by the broadcaster, the two Kenyan giant clubs are each set to earn more millions in a separate deal.
Just before the break, KCB could have broken the deadlock after Etyang cut inside off the left flank before testing Katasi yet again, but at the expense of Katasi injuring himself making the change which forced Tom Juma into subbing on Maxwell Mulili.
In the early stages of the second half, Leopards won a freekick in a dangerous area. The excellent Kevin Kimani sprang a well taken freekick into the box that caused confusion in the KCB penalty box area, but they were still left having to search for their opening goal of the season.
In the 67th minute, KCB had a chance to again break the deadlock when an Erikson Mulu cross caused danger in the box, but Francis Kahiro could not get on the end of it.
08:34 - 01.09.2023
FKFPL AFC Leopards head coach Tom Juma stresses depth importance ahead of crunch KCB fixture
Last season, a lack of adequate squad depth cost Ingwe dear in the matches that really mattered, contributing enormously to their disappointing end to the season.
In the 73rd minute, the enthusiastic Francis Kahiru won a free kick right on the edge of the AFC Leopards box which gave the Bankers a very big opportunity to sail ahead.
KCB finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute after Musa Masika’s well executed freekick found Derrick Otanga who headed the ball into the back of the net.
Leopards needed to restore parity fast and substitute Hassan Beja should have equalized when he unleashed a ferocious shot which forced KCB custodian Bryne Omondi into making a decent save.
Two minutes later, Musa Oundo made another attempt from a well excecuted freekick, but his shot sailed over the bar.
Things then went from bad to worse for Leopards as Oundo was dismissed for a second bookable offence after elbowing Musa Masika in an off-the ball incidence.
The result now means that Leopards are yet to win a game from two league attempts while Bernard Mwalala has a well earned victory in his first game in charge of KCB.
KCB XI: Omondi Byrne, Okumu Kevin, Mulu Erickson, Wesonga Haniff, Alembi Nahashon, Otieno Apollo, Etyang Stephen (Musa Masika 65’) , Ndenga Brian, Kahiro Francis (Kipkirui Nicolas 75’), Otieno Derrick (Otanga Derrick 70’), Mwendwa Harrison
AFC Leopards XI: Katasi Humphrey (Maxwell Mulili 45+’), Randi Bakari, Mahiga Vincent (Hassan Beja 80’), Munene Washington, Odhiambo Kaycie, Oundo Musa, Cliff Nyakeya, Yassin Sije (Brian Yakhama 65’) , Kimani Kevin (Miheso Clifton 65’) ,Owiti Jaffery
18:32 - 31.08.2023
FKPL FKF reveals number of matches that Azam TV will televise per season
The Tanzanian broadcaster partners with FKF to televise Premier League matches starting with the 2023/2024 season, boosting league visibility and competitiveness.