The new Kenyan top-flight League, rebranded as the Sportpesa League begun on Friday night under the night lights of the Kasarani Stadium. In the season opener, it was Kenya Commercial Bank Football Club (KCB FC) who made the early statement, riding on a clinical performance to defeat Tusker FC 2-0. The opener couldn’t have gone better for KCB as they overwhelmed the 13-time league champions inside the first 45 minutes.
Boniface Omondi bagged a first-half brace that proved decisive. His two goals carved a gap early on, leaving Tusker reeling and without a response.
Tusker’s hopes for a comeback suffered a blow when returning striker Erick Kapaito failed to convert an early penalty, sending his shot high over the bar. That miss marked a critical turning point, as momentum slipped further from the brewers.
Following that, efforts from Tusker, including opportunities created by new signings such as Issa Lumumba and Cliff Oruko, were squandered. Despite injecting fresh energy, the team couldn’t break through KCB’s resolute defence.
Head coach Charles Okere, reflecting after the match, lamented sub-par execution and the wasted chances that cost his side.
KCB’s emphatic start sends a strong message as they begin their pursuit of a SportPesa League title. With form and confidence high, they set a benchmark for the early season.
Tusker, though heavily bolstered in the transfer window, must now respond quickly. Okere stressed the importance of adapting to new tactics and incorporating the incoming players into the squad dynamic as they chase an improved finish.
With this result, KCB FC takes early control as the 2025/26 SportPesa League begins in earnest — and Tusker FC must regroup fast if they are to avoid early season setbacks.
That wraps up the round one Friday night thriller that set the tone for the new SportPesa League season.
