Ulinzi sink Bandari, All Stars end losing streak
Bandari failed in their bid to take return to the top of the Kenya Premier League (KPL) standing when they succumbed to a 2-0 loss to Ulinzi Stars at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa on Monday.
John Makwata gave the visitors the lead in the 56th minute and Oscar Wamalwa made it 2-0 in the 69th minute with a bicycle-kick after Bandari goalie Wilson Obungu failed to deal with a high ball.
Ulinzi substitute Kevin Amwayi came close to adding a third in the 77th minute but his volley went wide.
The home team had the first scoring opportunity in the fourth minute when Humphrey Okoti dribbled his way past Ulinzi defender Geoffrey Kokoyo and sent a fine cross but George Abege’s powerful shot was parried for an abortive corner by goalkeeper James Saruni.
Bandari spurned yet another chance in the 10th minute when Abege fed Victor Ndinya with a neat pass but the latter shot wide.
Then the visitors got their first chance in the 17th minute minute but Oscar Wamalwa fluffed the ball with Obunga at his mercy.
HEAVY SECURITY
It was in the second half that Ulinzi came back an organised side, pinning their opponents in their territory in the first 15 minutes of this half.
Despite the defeat, the Coastal team remain second with 10 points from six matches, two points behind leaders Western Stima.
There was heavy security personnel who included police officers and KDF soldiers at the match venue following the Garissa University terrorist attack last Thursday that left 148 people dead and several more injured.
In the weekend matches, readmitted Kenyan Premier League side Nakuru All Stars churned out their first win in four disappointing attempts at the weekend.
Boniface Akenga’s goal made all the difference as the Nakuru side beat Sony Sugar 1-0 on Sunday.
Speaking to Nairobi News coach Peter Okidi said the win was a big relief for the team but hastened to add that the real task is to build on that result.
“I must say it (the win) was unexpected considering the strength of our opponents and our poor run. It is however very refreshing to have grabbed our first maximum points, and now we want to build on that to ensure that we don’t risk relegation,” he said.
FIFTH LOSS
Nairobi City Stars however slumped to a fifth successive loss going down 2-0 to Mathare United on Sunday.
KPL top dogs AFC Leopards and Tusker also dropped vital points only managing draws in their respective matches. Leopards were held to a 1-1 by Thika United while Tusker drew 2-2 with Chemelil Sugar.
It is a result that caused Tusker coach Frances Kimanzi to snub the post-match interview with the media.
The brewers have been inconsistent and unconvincing in their performances so far this season, and have only eight points to show from eight matches.
Former champions Sofapaka were however the biggest loser of the weekend following a 3-2 defeat to Western Stima away in Kisumu.
After exiting the Caf Champions League on a 2-0 aggregate loss to AC Leopards of Congo, reigning champions Gor Mahia will immediately return to league action with a match against KCB on Wednesday.