KCB have ended Gor Mahia's flawless start to the FKF Premier League season, holding on with 10 men for a 2-1 victory at Moi Stadium, Embu, on Sunday afternoon.

Record champions Gor had won every game so far, but Robert Matano's Bankers were sharper in front of goal and built a two-goal cushion inside the first 33 minutes before surviving a nervy finish.

How the goals came

  • 20th minute: Assis Mambote put KCB ahead.
  • 33rd minute: Richard Omondi doubled the lead.
  • 37th minute: Alpha Onyango pulled one back for Gor Mahia.

The match swung back towards the visitors when KCB had a player sent off in the 86th minute, but K'Ogalo could not find the equaliser in the closing stages as the Bankers defended deep to see out the win.

Coaches react

Matano, a former Gor Mahia coach, was delighted to be the man who ended the streak. "I'm happy that we ended Gor Mahia's winning streak by beating them," he said, adding that his players "followed the instructions and showed great character." He felt his side had been more clinical than in previous outings, though he was unhappy about the late dismissal that forced his men to play the final minutes a man down.

Goalscorer Mambote said the three points mattered more to him than his own goal and promised to keep scoring.

Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor admitted his side made mistakes they "should not be making at this level", pointing to defensive lapses and wasted chances. He was, however, not in panic mode. "We have a long season ahead, and one defeat does not change our ambitions," he said.

Title race tightens

The result lifts KCB to 10 points, two behind Gor Mahia, who still top the standings. AFC Leopards are third on nine points after their win over Kakamega Homeboyz, with Murang'a Seal on seven and Migori Youth on six.

For KCB, the win is a timely boost after a stoppage-time defeat to Posta Rangers last month, while Gor Mahia will look to respond quickly and protect their place at the summit.

Photos: Handout via The Star (Richard Omondi vs Frank Ogolla); Sportpicha via Citizen Digital (Robert Matano, file). Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.