Otieno downplays KCB chances of getting maiden Caf spot after moving top

Kenya Commercial Bank head coach Zedekiah Otieno wants to avoid suggestions they are on the right track to secure their first-ever ticket for the Caf Champions League after moving top of the table on Sunday.

After a slow start to the league when it resumed, the Bankers rediscovered their mojo to hammer visiting Bandari FC 3-0 in an FKF Premier League match, with the win sending them top of the 18-team table ahead of Tusker, who had dropped vital points after a 1-1 draw against Wazito FC on Friday.

With FKF declaring two weeks ago that the team at the top of the log by June 30, will get the chance to represent the country in the lucrative Caf competition, Otieno has downplayed their chances of taking the slot insisting they are taking it a game at a time.

“Even though we are focused on our next game against Sofapaka, it is our hope and prayer that we maintain the position until June 30. We are just taking one game at a time,” Otieno said as quoted by Standard Sports.

“I’m satisfied with the result and proud of my players’ performance today [Saturday], we stepped up against Bandari after a slow start in the Mathare United game.

“Winning 3-0 against a team of Bandari's calibre at this point of the league means we are a good team. The players know what’s at stake and I feel that’s sweet revenge after Bandari took six points from us last season.”

David Simiyu, Thomas Harun, and Derrick Otanga scored the three goals that helped the Bankers move above the Brewers.

The Bankers opened the score in the 15th minute when Simiyu picked Reagan Otieno's pass and beat Justin Ndikumana in Bandari's goal. Vincent Wasambo should have made it 2-0 in the 22nd minute but he wasted a clear chance from close range.

Brian Odera of KCB was the first player to be yellow-carded after a sliding tackle on an opponent in the 26th minute. A minute later, KCB added the second goal when Thomas slotted past Ndikumana from close range.

Otanga then scored the third for the home side in the 83rd minute and he was assisted to score by Oduor who came onto the pitch at the same time. Poor handling of the ball by Ndikumana made Otanga's work easier as the goalkeeper conceded the third goal of the game.

The win saw the Bankers move to 36 points, one more than Tusker, who dropped to second while AFC Leopards are third on 33 points.