Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
Francis Wadegu
20 June 2011
In one of the low scoring weekends in the Kenyan Premier league, only one goal was scored in the four matches played with the other three ending in barren draws.
Tusker and KCB played out to a cagey goal-less draw yesterday and failed to take advantage of slip ups by league leaders Rangers who were also held to a barren draw away at Western Stima to hold onto the top spot.
In a match that was full of foul plays between the Ruaraka neighbours, Tusker, fielded new signing Ibrahim Kitawi, began the game strongly dominating their opponents in the opening exchanges.
Right back Noah Abich had the first real chance of the game in the 17th minute but his long range effort was palmed out by Caleb Adola for a fruitless corner. Slowly, KCB began to creep into the game and leading scorer Clifford Alwanga should have done better when he was given acres of space on the Tusker danger zone with just goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch to beat but his effort went wide.
Joseph Apindi could have given KCB the lead from Geoffrey Maina’s free kick in the 29th minute but his header was just inches off the target.
The second half was even more cagey with bottom teams striving to counter their opponents rather than create chances of their own. Chrispin Olando nearly embarrassed Adola with a fine lob in the 63rd minute of a boring second half period.
Cameroonian and former AFC Leopards striker Itubu Imbem was then introduced for Kitawi in his debut for the brewers but his introduction did not bring the impact intended as he failed to get the elusive goal.
The point saw the brewers retain their second place in the standings but coach Sammy Omollo would have been happier if he scooped all the three points on offer.
The draw saw KCB play their fifth match without a win, signs that their early season form is slowly fading as the league heads for the final round.
Leonard Saleh’s men remain fourth on 25 points, two shy of the brewers and four away from the league leaders Rangers FC.
On Saturday, champions Ulinzi Stars missed on a chance to go top of the league as they were held to a frustrating barren draw by Karuturi Sports. Also left to moan a missed opportunity was Nairobi City Stars, who drew nil all away at Sony Sugar to remain rooted at the bottom of the league with 12 points as the league reached its halfway stage.
WEEKEND KPL RESULTS
Ulinzi Stars 0-0 Karuturi Sports
Sony Sugar 0-0 City Stars
Chemelil Sugar 0-1 Gor Mahia
Western Stima 0-0 Rangers
Tusker 0-0 KCB
Bandari 0-0 Congo United
AllAfrica – All the Time
See original article:
Kenya: KCB Hold Tusker