Otanga puts sorry Shabana to the sword

Derrick Otanga scored twice as KCB FC ended their eight-match winless run with a 3-2 triumph over Shabana FC at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Friday afternoon.

Heading into the game, both teams were struggling. KCB were yet to taste any win this year and were on an eight-game winless run in the league this campaign.

Shabana were equally on a woeful run with their last win in the league dating back five matches ago. They are also second-last in the log with 18 points, two more than bottom-placed Nzoia Sugar FC.

The build-up to the game was marred by the decision of Shabana fans to boycott the game due to what they termed as exorbitant gate charges by the Bankers.

The decision by KCB to charge Ksh. 1,000 for VIP tickets and Ks. 500 for regular ones did not sit well with Shabana FC fans who, on Thursday, stated that they were going to boycott the match in protest of the high charges.

True to their word, Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, which on an ordinary day would have been full of the Glamour Boys’ white and red merchandise, was virtually empty. This was the first time the Gusii-based club’s players were playing without their passionate 12th man.

Fourteen minutes into the game, KCB went ahead through Derrick Otanga. The 2022 Golden Boot winner converted from the spot to give his side the lead and dent Shabana’s hopes of starting the game positively.

Just before the interval, things went from bad to worse for Shabana when new signing Philemon Nyakwaka scored his first-ever premier league goal to double the Banker’s lead.

There was no reprieve for Pamzo’s men in sight as at the hour mark, Otanga scored from another set-piece, this time beating Mustafa Oduor through a free kick. Four minutes later, Brian Magare gave his side a glimpse of hope by pulling a goal back.

Despite Shabana's late efforts to salvage something from the game, they were ultimately unsuccessful, even with a stoppage-time own goal by Farouk Shikalo. KCB managed to hold on and secure maximum points.

After the international break, the Mozzart Bet Cup will take center stage. KCB will play against Bidco United, while Shabana will be up against AFC Leopards.

FKF PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHWEEK 24

Friday

KCB 3-2 Shabana (2-0)

/D. Otanga 13,59, P. Nyakwaka 45+5- B. Magare 64, F. Shikalo 90 (og)/

Saturday

1300: Nairobi City Stars vs Bidco United

1500: Bandari vs Gor Mahia

1600: Sofapaka vs Murang'a Seal

Sunday

1300: Posta Rangers vs Kariobangi Sharks

1500: Kakamega Homeboyz vs Ulinzi Stars

1500: Nzoia Sugar vs FC Talanta

1500: Tusker vs AFC Leopards

1600: Kenya Police vs Muhoroni Youth

Ex defender offers cash incentive to AFC Leopards players for goals against Tusker