Bandari dim Kisumu All-Stars

Bandari bounced back to winning ways with a precious Kenyan Premier League (KPL) win on the road beating Kisumu All-Stars 2-0 at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday.

The Dockers lost 0-1 midweek to Kakamega Homeboyz at the Bukhungu Stadium but they made amends for it here in Kisumu against a timid looking homeside.

Dangerman Yema Mwana bailed out his side with the opener in the 27th minute before veteran winger Shaban Kenga danced his way in the box to drive home the winner in the 67th minute.

The visitors started nervously and the towering skipper Felly Mulumba nearly turned the ball into his own net with an awkward header under pressure in the 12th minute but their woes were quickly forgotten when Mwana, in the 23rd minute, half-volleyed from inside the box, capitalising on sloppy marking to stab home.

The goal seemed to take the gas from hosts as Bandari ran rings, David King`atua coming close three minutes later, his left-foot shot 22 yards out being denied by the upright.

Bandari continued to attack and could have been three up by the 27th minute, this time Shaban Kenga making a darting run down the right flank to float a cross into the box which Collins Agade headed narrowly off the cross bar with the goal agape at his face.

All-Stars’ realistic chance in the first half came in the 34th minute, Michael Owino rising high to nod off target a cross from the right flank though by this time the linesman flag was already high, his second miss in a five-minute attack blitz being a failure to sweep the ball into the empty net with Bandari goalkeeper Justin Ndikumana off his line.

Three minutes later, Stars came prodding again this time the petite Erick Opiyo picking his spot with a volleyed effort from the centre-circle but missing the target narrowly.

Bandari continued to boss proceedings but there was much, much hope for the home side even as they chased the game before the second half capitulation.

Opiyo continued to be a constant thorn in Bandari’s backline his drive from the right wing flying straight into the waiting hands of Ndikumana in Bandari`s goal in the 38th minute while three minutes later, his link up play with fellow forward almost resulted into a neat finish, the final product missing the target narrowly.

Ten minutes after the interval, Bandari coach Bernard Mwalala made a swift change bringing in William Wadri for Cliff Kasuti in a bid to inject more fire power upfront but his defence mashalled by Mulumba, Atariza Amai, Mohamed Siraz and Brina Otieno remained undisturbed.

The visitors continued with their dominance, Shaban Kenya driving in the winner in the 62nd minute after meandering his way in the box to drive home a low shot to the bottom corner of the net.

In a bid to change things, All-Stars coach Henry Omino responded by throwing in Mark Kwasira for Michael Owino but it seemed the game plan went against him on this particular afternoon.

He later summoned the fresh legs of Steve Otieno but by now the game had already been lost with his side not pressing with the determination and vigour needed to haul them back.

Mwalala also made changes bringing in Benjamin Mosha for the ageless Kenga who at his prime, five seasons ago, had a horrendous loan spell with Gor Mahia.