Gameweek 3 of the 2025/26 SportPesa League got underway on Tuesday afternoon with Kariobangi Sharks hosting KCB FC at the Kasarani Annex, in a match watched closely by Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, who was in attendance to assess local talent.
Despite Sharks coming into the clash off the back of two goalless draws, it was the visiting Bankers who showed early intent, with their experienced core looking to dictate the tempo.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute after a well-constructed attacking move sparked by Bonface Omondi, who sprayed a long ball across the field to find the advancing December Kisakah. The winger whipped in a deep cross that was nodded down in the box by Humphrey Mieno, and it landed perfectly for Richard Omondi, who smashed it home to give KCB the lead. The goal , a product of sharp inter-play between new signings Humphrey Mieno and Omondi showcased the Bankers’ fluidity and attacking vision.
Sharks struggled to respond before the break and went into halftime trailing 0–1.
The second half began with Sharks showing renewed urgency, but it was KCB who made the first change, with Tyron Kariuki coming on for Kisakah in the 49th minute. Head coach Matano later rang in a triple substitution in the 65th minute, bringing on Stephen Etyang, Dennis Maruti, and Philemon Nyakwaka for Bonface Omondi, Mattias Isogoli, and Tedja Wanumbi , moves that were clearly designed to preserve energy and tighten control of midfield.
Etyang, however, was booked just a minute after coming on for a clumsy challenge , one of the few flashes of drama in an otherwise tactically controlled second half.
In the end, KCB held firm for a narrow 1-0 win, bouncing back from their Gameweek 2 loss to Mathare United and collecting their second win of the season.
After the match, a visibly disappointed William Muluya admitted his side lacked bite in front of goal.
“We don’t create enough chances,” he said. “It’s a difficult league when teams are winning by just one goal. If you don’t create, and the opponent defends well, you’ll always struggle.”
Meanwhile, KCB assistant coach Paul Ogai praised his side’s game management and paid special tribute to goal scorer Richard Omondi, saying:
“He’s still adjusting, still growing into the team. But he’s lucky to be surrounded by experienced players like Humphrey Mieno and Bonface Omondi. That helps his development.”
KCB now shift their focus to a blockbuster clash against Gor Mahia over the weekend, while Kariobangi Sharks prepare to face Mathare United in what is already shaping up to be a crucial fixture for their confidence.
