Bandari clip Sharks to go top as Wanga strike sinks Tusker

Bandari FC exacted sweet revenge on Kariobangi Sharks as they claimed a 1-0 victory at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani to topple Mathare United off the summit of the Kenya Premier League (KPL) standings on Saturday.

Yema Mwana grabbed the second half winner, a diving header,  yet the result should have been more convincing for Bernard Mwalala’s charges had Willian Wadri converted his penalty in the first half.

Bandari lost to Sharks with a similar scoreline during last month’s Super Cup final and while coach Mwalala had maintained this replay was no revenge mission, he will be pleased with the grit his side showed to seal all three points.

Chemelil Sugar struck late at the Sudi Stadium to claim a 1-0 away victory against Nzoia Sugar as they climbed further away from the relegation danger zone while Allan Wanga came back to haunt Tusker FC by inspiring Kakamega Homeboyz to a 1-0 victory.

At Kasarani, Bandari were gifted the chance to take an early lead when Willian Wadri won a penalty after being tripped in the area. The winger stepped up to take it himself but goalkeeper John Oyemba went the right way, diving sharply to his left to keep it out.

The next big chance came from the hosts with Patilla Omotto’s curling effort from a free-kick in the 25th minute coming off the cross bar.

Wadri had a glorious opportunity to atone for his penalty miss moments later when Hassan Abadalla picked him out with a pin-point cross from the left channel but he could not get the right connection on it and skewed wide off target.

Wycliffe Ochomo lasted barely five minutes following his second half introduction as the burly forward was stretchered off after a fracture dislocation on his elbow with Darius Msagha coming on in his place.

Substitute Eric Kapaito tested Shikhalo with a right-footed shot but the goalkeeper spotted it from way out and collected it for an easy save.

Bandari finally found the breakthrough with Mwana diving to head home past Oyemba after a Moses Mudavadi lovely delivery had found him in the six-yard area.

Wadri should have doubled Bandari’s advantage with a free-kick from a good position but he sent his effort straight at Oyemba.

Collated Results

K. Sharks 0-1 Bandari

Chemelil Sugar 1-0 Nzoia Sugar

KK. Homeboyz 1-0 Tusker

SUNDAY FIXTURES

KCB FC vs Sony Sugar

Vihiga United vs Posta Rangers

Zoo Kericho FC vs Mathare United

Sofapaka FC vs Gor Mahia FC

Western Stima FC vs Mount Kenya United FC

AFC Leopards SC vs Ulinzi Star

Additional reporting by Matthews Mutai