Kiongera strike gives bankers valuable win against KRA

An early goal by Simba SC-bound striker Paul Kiongera Friday helped KCB edge out an out of sorts KRA at the City Stadium.

The win enable the bankers climb above the relegating line for the first time in the second and gave them a spring as they turn attention to their crucial next game against Gor Mahia on Thursday.

Kiongera headed in Ray Murugi’s cross in the 15th minute as the bankers recorded their fifth win of the season, while condemning KRA to their third straight loss.

The match began at high tempo with KCB the stronger team especially in the first half where Kiongera was outstanding and stretched the tax men’s defense to breaking point.

He had a chance to bag a brace in the 33rd minute after he shook off defender Richard Mmboyi but shot wide.

Former Gor Mahia defender Ivan Anguyo made three free kicks attempts that went over the bar.

The bankers continued to pile pressure on the tax men with Kiongera feeding Sula Bagala with a lovely cross one minute to the break, but he shot over the bar.

The second half saw the bankers sit back allowing KRA’s Joseph Mulume and Geoffrey Kataka a sniff of goal.

Rodgers Ochieng also got an opportunity to score for the tax men in the 60th minute through a free kick but he sent his effort wide.

Joseph Mulume headed out Anguyo’s well taken free kick in the 75th minute while KCB’s Raymond Murugi also wasted another free kick seven minutes later.

“I am very happy. This was a very difficult match. KRA have had quite a good run this season but I am happy they overcame the challenge,” Coach Rishadi Shedu said.

This was to be Kiongera’s last match as a KCB player but the striker said he will be around for two more matches.