Wazito, Bandari share the spoilsat Kasarani

Hosts Wazito FC were held to a 2-2 draw by visiting Bandari in an entertaining end-to-end league match at Kasarani Annex on Saturday.

There was no favourite until the last whistle, as both sides tirelessly knocked on the opponent’s goalmouth showing every intention of bagging maximum points.

William Wadri and second half substitute Benjamin Mosha netted one each for the visitors as Michael Owino and Kevin Kimani scored for Wazito to ensure a share of the spoils.

Speaking after the match, Bandari coach Andre Casa Mbungo said his charges made mistakes midway second half costing them maximum points, but is comfortable with the draw.

“Both sides were very good tactically, and it was a good match for both of us. We only allowed some mistakes that we should not have done especially in the second half but still managed to rise again to seal a draw.

“We need to work more to avoid conceding goals that we can really avoid. I’m however thankful for the point we have earned,” said Mbungo, from  being crownedas the coach of the month for February in the league, on Friday.

On his part, Wazito’s Francis Kimanzi was upset with the refereeing, saying the gaps in officiating affected the outcome of the clash.

“A match becomes difficult when you have to change a lot of things because of factors outside football. We can definitely have easier job to do with better officiating, but I have to accept the result because the match is over.

“The second half comeback and the tempo we showed is evidence that the players understand being down at a point of the match does not mean you have lost,” offered the experienced coach.

It was the Nairobi money bags who got off the blocks fastest with Rooney Onyango sending a sumptuous cross into the area to find former AFC Leopards man Whyvonne Isuza whose shot flew over the bar.

In the 12th minute, Ali Abondo had an opportunity to give Wazito an early lead from a freekick but it lacked the power needed.

Harambee Stars winger Abdallah Hassan made a good delivery into the area to find Darius Msagha who failed convert, just from a close range.

Just before the break, Hassan exhibited great skill on the ball inside the box before he was brought down, and Bandari were awarded a penalty. Wadri made no mistake sending Wazito custodian Levis Opiyo the wrong side to give Bandari the lead.

Kimanzi rung the first change in the 54th minute, introducing Kimani for Abondo as he sought an early second half equaliser.

Three minutes later, Felly Mulumba’s header missed narrowly and it was Wazito who would smile almost immediately as Owino finished Isuza’s cross to restore parity at the hour mark.

Their second came in the 65th, from Kimani’s freekick from the edge of the box, curled into the top left corner , with a fully stretched Justin Ndikumana unable to reach the ball.

It was Bandari’s time to chase from behind, and momentarily Wazito were seemingly playing to protect their lead rather hence slowing down in their attack.

Opiyo was booked for timewasting in the 70th, but would regret later for the wasted time as Bandari equalised with only 11 minutes to regulation time.

The leveller would have come earlier though. In the 72nd, an impressive Wadri promisingly dashed into the area to find Msagha, who in turn set up unmarked Hassan only just near the goal but was unable to convert, his feeble shot agonisingly ricocheting off target.

Mbungo then brought on Mosha for Msagha, whose seven-minute presence on the pitch was enough to seal the draw with a cool tap in from Hassan’s cross on the right, making it 2-2.

Notably, another substitute Umaru Kasumba was lethal and spiced up Bandari’s deliveries since his late introduction, the former Sofapaka man aiding in increasing the much needed speed in the hunt for an equaliser.

Bandari are now fifth on the FKF-PL log with 27 points from 16 rounds, two above Wazito who are sixth after their 15 outings.

Hard fighting Tusker

Earlier at the Utalii grounds in Nairobi, leaders Tusker put a spirited fight to force a 2-2 draw against Nairobi City Stars, who had taken a 2-0 lead by the end of first half.

The Robert Matano led side are now on 36 points, seven more than second placed KCB although they have played a match more than the bankers.

City Stars on the other hand would have overtaken Bidco United to seventh but their wasted opportunity to seal maximum points leaves them eight with 20 points.

The round 16 action continues on Sunday with KCB hosting struggling Zoo Kericho, Kakamega Homeboyz entertaining Sofapaka at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega while Nzoia Sugar will be taking on Ulinzi Stars.