'We are firmly in the title race' - Matano defiant despite KCB's loss to Shabana
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 22.12.25. | 12:03
The defeat brought to an end KCB’s three-match winning streak and an impressive seven-game unbeaten run as they wrapped up the year on a losing note
KCB FC head coach Robert Matano has played down his side’s setback against Shabana FC, insisting the Bankers remain firmly in the hunt for the 2025/26 FKF Premier League title despite suffering a bruising defeat.
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KCB were handed a sobering 3-1 loss by a resurgent Shabana FC in Friday's sole FKFPL fixture, a result that ushered in round 15 of league action and momentarily slowed the Bankers’ momentum.
Shabana, under the stewardship of Peter Okidi, delivered a commanding performance highlighted by goals from Kevin Omundi, Henry Obino, and Ezekiel Omuri.
Omundi opened the scoring with a close-range tap-in from Obina's well-whipped delivery from a 25-yard free kick before the former Murang'a Seal defender doubled the lead with a sumptuous set-piece from the edge of the area.
Omuri then sealed the contest with a well-taken curling low volley. KCB’s only response came courtesy of Kelvin Etemesi, whose fine strike proved merely a consolation.
The victory propelled the Kisii-based outfit to third on the league standings, underlining Shabana’s growing credentials as genuine title contenders.
Despite the defeat, seeing KCB slip to fifth place on the 18-team table, Matano struck a defiant tone while addressing the media during a post-match press conference aired by Azam TV.
“It is a slip, but we are still very firmly in the race for the title,” said the three-time FKFPL title-winning coach.
Matano attributed the loss largely to his side’s struggles in midfield, an area where Shabana asserted dominance early in the contest.
KCB found themselves trailing 2-0 inside the opening 30 minutes, prompting the veteran tactician to make an uncharacteristic double substitution in the first half.
Humphrey Mieno and Matthew Rodgers Angal were introduced for Richard Omondi and Mathias Isogol in an effort to restore balance and composure in the middle of the park.
“We were very slow in the midfield and conceded unnecessary fouls, which they capitalised on. We couldn’t string passes together, and that made it difficult for us to play,” Matano explained.
“That forced me to make the changes early because we were outnumbered and needed to reinforce the midfield.”
The defeat brought to an end KCB’s three-match winning streak and an impressive seven-game unbeaten run as they wrapped up the year on a losing note.
Nevertheless, with a game in hand and just a three-point gap separating them from the summit, the Bankers remain well placed in the title conversation heading into the new year.
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