KCB head coach Bernard Mwalala was pumped up after his charges vanquished Kariobangi Sharks in the semifinals of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup at the Police Sacco stadium on Sunday.
The bankers' custodian Farouk Shikalo was the toast of the day, blocking two post-match penalties to seal a 5-3 win following a one-all stalemate in regulation and extra time.
"It's a good feeling. We've been working hard as a team to clinch this silverware especially now that the KPL trophy is out of reach," Mwalala remarked.
"We aim to represent Kenya at the Caf Confederation Cup. We'll use the upcoming Fifa international break to rectify our deficiencies and perfect our act before the finals," he added.
Mwalala ascribed their success to a tactical blueprint that outfoxed their technically proficient opponents.
"Our overall plan proved effective given Otanga's goal came from a counterattack," Mwalala remarked.
"We are ready for the final. What's important is that we are already there and we can't choose whom to face," he added.
Sharks head coach William Muluya accepted liability for damage, saying he failed to equip his charges for a penalty shootout. Muluya said their opponents got off the hook with a counter-attack system of play.
"My players gave their best shot only that I got my tactics all wrong," Muluya lamented.
"I didn't anticipate they would play that kind of football. It got to a point where I was asking myself what I could do to strengthen the side more, especially, in the second half because every player on the pitch was performing well," he added.
Shikalo curled a long shot into the feet of Derrick Otanga who briskly broke away from Sharks defenders before blasting past custodian Sepstianos Wekesa.
However, it wasn't long before Fortune Omoto drew his side level on the second bite of the cherry after John Makwatta's initial effort bounced off Shikalo's right foot.
KCB netted through Derrick Otanga, Henry Onyango, Danson Chitambe, and skipper Brian Ochieng respectively.
Skipper Kevin Luke Otiala and Fredrick Alushula converted for Sharks with Geoffrey Onyango and Stanley Omondi directing their endeavours straight into the waiting palms of Shikalo.
KCB are yet to know their opponents after the second semifinal encounter between Kenya Police FC and AFC Leopards was called off.
The high-stakes encounter ended prematurely after a missile thrown by a spectator struck assistant referee Samwel Kuria on the head.
The law enforcers were leading 1-0 by the time the match screeched to a halt. South Sudan international Tito Okello ascended above his markers to head home a cross from Samwel Onyango in the 7th minute.
The sides will now complete the remaining 30 minutes on Monday at the same venue without fans who have been barred from attending the match.
