KCB offensive midfielder, James Mazembe, was over the moon after netting a stunner against record Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia.
His goal propelled the bankers to a hard-fought 2-1 win over K'Ogalo in an action-packed pre-season encounter at the ABSA Sports Club in Nairobi on Saturday.
Mazembe — returning from injury — broke the deadlock with a stinging shot that almost burnt a hole in the opponent's net.
“This is a proud moment for me as a player. Scoring against Gor Mahia is not easy and I am just back on the team after an awful injury. We are working so hard and hopefully, when the new season begins, we will carry on like this,” Mazembe said.
In an end-to-end thriller, both sides displayed intent from the start.
Gor squandered a brilliant chance to go ahead in the 38th minute after Ugandan forward Peter Lwasa set up John Macharia for the kill, only for the fleet-footed diminutive offensive midfielder to shoot straight into the hands of Gabriel Andika in goal.
KCB won a penalty minutes to the breather when Dennis Nga'ng'a sent former Slum Boy John 'Mavado' Mwangi tumbling down in the area.
Edmond Adem, wearing the banker's jersey for the first time after joining them from lower-tier side Gogo Boys, mustered up enough courage to attempt a kick and struck accurately to double the advantage heading into the break.
Another juvenile defensive howler saw Gor Mahia concede a second penalty with former Wazito midfielder Kennedy Owino gladly stepping up for the challenge in the 62nd minute.
However, a hawk-eyed K'Ogalo custodian Gad Mathews kept Owino's shot away with his characteristic acrobatic save.
Minutes later, KCB's backline lost concentration and Gor Mahia's marksman Benson Omala found himself with enough space and time ahead of him to reduce the deficit after being teed up by George Odhiambo.
K'Ogalo made an eleventh-minute vain attempt to bag an equaliser but the bankers held on to their slim lead up to the full-time whistle.
Edited by Tony Mballa