KCB FC head coach Robert Matano has hailed his team's fighting spirit after they secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over APS Bomet with 10 men, describing the late winner as a reflection of his trademark never-say-die mentality.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe veteran tactician, popularly known as 'The Lion' for his fiery touchline presence, demanding approach and relentless pursuit of victory, has built a reputation as one of the most competitive coaches in Kenyan football, having won three league titles.Matano has often challenged his players to embrace the same fighting spirit that has defined his coaching career, and KCB appeared to deliver just that against the Law Enforcers.Talanta Stadium railway line takes shape ahead of 2027 AFCON [PHOTOS]Despite playing with 10 men following Amatton Samunya's 75th-minute dismissal, the Bankers held on before snatching a dramatic winner in the 94th minute to claim all three points.For Matano, the result was a perfect demonstration of the mentality he demands from his players.“Now that is Matano. You only lose a match when the final whistle blows and the game ends. That is the spirit. We will continue working hard regardless of how many we are. Those remaining on the pitch must always fight until the end,” he said after the match.##NAJAVA_MECA_10101978##The former Tusker FC and AFC Leopards coach also acknowledged the competitiveness of the encounter, noting that KCB have become a team opponents are increasingly determined to beat following their impressive start to the campaign.“The game was tight and tough, as expected, but the players' character and our game plan got us through. We knew they would come at us and wanted a win over us after our victory over Gor Mahia,” he added.Matano also defended Samunya following his dismissal, drawing a distinction between the midfielder's red card and Baron Oketch's sending-off in KCB's previous match against Gor Mahia.McCarthy threatens FIFA, CAF action over unpaid salaries as Harambee Stars face South AfricaSamunya was dismissed for denying Philip Wasai a clear goalscoring opportunity, while Oketch had been criticised by Matano following his red card against the record FKF Premier League champions.“This is different, and we cannot blame Samunya. He was going for the ball in a tense match, and being the last man, it could go either way. For Baron, it was malice,” he explained.Meanwhile, Matano admitted that KCB felt the absence of captain Humphrey Mieno, who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during their 2-1 victory over Gor Mahia.##NAJAVA_MECA_10101977##The experienced midfielder's absence was particularly noticeable in the first half, with APS Bomet enjoying spells of dominance in the middle of the park.Mieno's leadership and influence in midfield were sorely missed, although Matano was pleased with how his players gradually adapted as the match progressed.“I knew we would miss him (Mieno). He is a leader; the players respect him, and he is our engine. Some of the players have not played regularly, and so they were always going to struggle, but they caught up as the match went by,” he concluded.Wanyama, Oliech lead star-studded Harambee Stars Legends squad to face Arsenal LegendsThe victory underlined KCB's resilience and Matano's insistence on fighting until the final whistle, with the veteran tactician once again getting the response he demands from his players.
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