Danson Namasaka’s solitary strike in the second half was enough for KCB FC to beat Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 to advance to the Mozart Cup semi-finals at the Dandora Stadium Saturday afternoon.
The bankers created numerous chances in the first half but strikers Derrick Otanga and Philemon Nyakwakwa could not find the back of the net to hand KCB a lead in the hotly contested tie.
After the match, KCB FC head coach Bernard Mwalala said: “I am proud of the boys for keeping their heads up and winning against a very good side. We know that the semifinals will be a different ball game and we are ready as KCB to battle. Going forward, we need to be clinical in front of the goal to kill the game early enough.”
KCB’s failure to convert its chances in the first half saw the scoreline remain 0-0 at the interval. In the second half, Henry Ochieng played an excellent through ball to Philemon Nyakwakwa whose backheel pass saw Danson Namasaka get the ball past the helpless Homeboyz keeper.
Matano puts charges on notice as KPL title race hots up
The away side kept pressing as the introduction of former KCB player Nicholas Kipkurui almost bore fruits but Festus Shikhalo was rock solid between the sticks to maintain KCB’s slender lead.
Mwalala made defensive changes in the dying minutes of the game, introducing Bernard Odhiambo to replace injured Farraj Ominde who was stretched out after picking up an injury.
The bankers, who currently find themselves tenth on the log standings in the league with 35 points, will face Kariobangi Sharks on May 4, 2024, in a crunch clash. They will also face the winner between AFC Leopards and Compel FC in the Cup’s semi-final.
