Bandari, Talanta battle to a stalemate in warm-up match

After a few turbulent weeks off the pitch, Bandari FC returned to non-competitive action in the least dramatic way possible – playing out to a one- all- draw with Talanta FC at Camp Toyoyo ground in Nairobi.

Talanta took an early lead through a penalty converted by Martin Wachira after dangerous play by Bandari’s Swaleh Chacha in the box.

Bandari piled more pressure in the second half and were rewarded in the 65 minute when a short corner from Wilberforce Lugogo was played to Abdalla who delivered a nice low cross that Bernard Odhiambo fired  in from the box.

However, the enticing game lived to its billing as early as the first half, with shots from Bandari’s Abdalla  Star Boy who came on as an early substitute, with Joseph Oyoo, Keegan Ndemi, and Wycliffe Ochomo failing to find the back of the net.

The Dockers also gave goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo his debut, while in defence, Felly Mulumba partnered with new boy Swaleh Chacha, who has been promoted from the youth team.

Fred Nkata and Nicholas Major were deployed as wing-backs, while in midfield, new boys Brian Andanje who made his mark in the trials partnered with Collins Agade, John Avire and Joshua Oyoo in wide areas as Wycliffe Ochomo and Keegan Ndemi led the attack.

In the second half, Bandari gave a chance to custodian Joseph Okoth for Sikhalo, while David Kingatua came on for Avire. Other changes saw Anthony Wambani,  Abdalla Star Boy, Shaban Kenga and Darius Msagha coming on.

Bandari continued to press late in the game with Abdallah being a total menace to the Talanta defence, making amazing runs, dribbling into the box and drowning cross after crosses as Talanta retreated to guard their lines.

In a post-match interview, Bandari’s technical director Twahir Muhiddin said he was satisfied with his boys’ input.

“Considering the circumstances that we endured approaching the match, not training for the last 4 days, mentally and physically exhausted and yet we produce a commendable performance is really heartwarming. Kudos to the team and the management,” said Twahir.