Bidco United kept their FKF Premier League survival hopes alive with a crucial 1-0 win over KCB FC at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Monday afternoon. The result helped the Thika-based club climb to 17th in the standings with 32 points, just one above bottom-placed Nairobi City Stars and two shy of safety.
The game was a must-win for Anthony Akhulia’s side, who were coming off a painful 2-1 defeat to Shabana FC in their previous outing. Anything less than three points would have left them teetering on the brink of relegation to the National Super League. But on a tense and dramatic afternoon, Bidco delivered when it mattered most.
The match was tight and nervy, with both teams showing signs of pressure. For long spells, chances were few and far between as the midfield battle took center stage. However, the match came to life in the second half when Bidco began to push forward with more urgency.
The breakthrough arrived in the 77th minute after KCB were reduced to ten men. Defender Haniff Wesonga received his marching orders for dissent following a controversial penalty decision. The red card came after heated protests by KCB players and technical staff, who vehemently disagreed with the referee’s call.
Once calm was restored, Bidco’s reliable left-footed centre-back Kevin Musamali stepped up to take the penalty. Known for his composure from the spot since his Kariobangi Sharks days, Musamali kept his cool and slotted past Bonphas Munyasa to give Bidco the lead.
The goal sparked wild celebrations on the Bidco bench and among the few traveling fans. Despite late pressure from KCB, Bidco managed to hold on to their slender lead, securing a massive three points in the race for survival.
The result marks Bidco’s sixth win of the season and ends a frustrating run of form that had left their campaign hanging by a thread. But while Monday’s win gives them a lifeline, the job is far from over.
With just two games remaining, Bidco still face a tall order. They will need to win both of their final fixtures — against Kakamega Homeboyz and Sofapaka — and hope other results in the relegation battle fall in their favor.
Akhulia, who has overseen several survival missions in the past, knows all too well that the fight isn’t finished. But with momentum back on their side, Bidco will approach the final rounds with renewed belief.
On the other hand, KCB’s alarming slump continues. Despite boasting significant financial backing, the Bankers have now gone nine straight FKF Premier League matches without a win, a run that has seen them slide down the table and out of contention for a top-half finish.
Their latest defeat will only add to the growing pressure on head coach Patrick Odhiambo, whose side has now lost five games in a row. To make matters worse, KCB were recently dumped out of the Mozzart Bet Cup by second-tier Nairobi United, compounding an already disastrous stretch.
FT
Crucial victory for @fCBidco
Bidco United 1⃣-0⃣ KCB#FKFPL pic.twitter.com/Txv1rRttm1
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) May 19, 2025
There were moments of promise for the Bankers during the game, but their inability to convert chances or manage game tempo cost them dearly once again. The dismissal of Wesonga for dissent summed up the team’s current lack of discipline and composure under pressure.
KCB now head into their final matches with little to play for other than pride. Their supporters will be left wondering how a season that once held promise has unraveled so spectacularly.
Meanwhile, Bidco will turn their attention to Kakamega Homeboyz, knowing full well that only a perfect finish and a little bit of luck will save them from the drop.
While it’s still unclear which teams will eventually go down, Monday’s match was a stark reminder of how fine the margins are at the bottom of the FKF Premier League. For Bidco, there is hope. For KCB, a long and disappointing season nears its end
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