Bandari score twice in stoppage time to soil Homeboyz' title chances

Bandari FC produced a dramatic late comeback to stun Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1 in a thrilling FKF Premier League encounter at Mbaraki Stadium, scoring twice in the dying moments to snatch maximum points and ignite their campaign.

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Goals from Mohamed Barisa at the stroke of full-time and Amza Ndayou two minutes into stoppage time overturned Oliver Majaka’s second-half opener, condemning Homeboyz to a painful defeat after they looked on course for a crucial away victory.

Heading into the fixture with the summit firmly within reach, Kakamega Homeboyz approached the contest knowing nothing short of victory would keep their title ambitions on track.

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A win would have propelled them back to the top of the 18-team standings as they continue their pursuit of a historic first FKF Premier League crown.

For Bandari, the match carried equal significance. Coming off a slow start to the season, the Dockers were eager to build on their previous win over Mathare United and climb up the table under new head coach Bernard Mwalala, with momentum the primary target.

The match kicked off at a measured pace as both sides exercised caution in the early exchanges. Homeboyz were the first to threaten five minutes in when Glen Masava met Moses Mudavadi’s cross before unleashing a fierce effort that whistled inches wide.

Moments later, Mudavadi himself went close, sneaking past a crowded Bandari defence to meet Hillary Otieno’s pinpoint corner, only to glance his header into the side netting.

Homeboyz continued to dictate the tempo and nearly broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. Otieno released Henry Omollo down the right, and the winger’s clever cut-back found Derrick Otanga, whose close-range effort was smartly smothered by Bandari goalkeeper Allaine Ngeleka.

Further pressure followed, with Cliff Otieno producing a timely intervention in the 18th minute to deny Mudavadi after a slick exchange with Masava.

Bandari slowly weathered the storm and began to show intent through Amza Ndayou, who narrowly missed the target after meeting Hassan Abdallah’s delivery.

At the half-hour mark, Abdallah nearly produced a moment of brilliance from a corner, whipping in a dangerous ball that evaded the defence before forcing Simon Masaka into a sharp fingertip save.

Homeboyz remained dangerous, coming close again five minutes before the break when Otieno’s long-range set-piece found Mudavadi, but the skipper failed to beat Ngeleka from close range.

Both sides traded late chances before the interval, with Masaka denying Cliff Otieno’s low drive and Rajab Omar producing a heroic block to thwart Otieno’s powerful strike, ensuring the teams went into the break deadlocked.

Upon resumption, Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo made a decisive move, introducing Oliver Majaka and Samuel Odaro, and the changes paid dividends within ten minutes.

Odaro teed up Majaka, who reacted quickest to calmly slot home and hand the visitors a deserved lead.

Homeboyz nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, with Odaro again involved, but his effort was saved.

Bandari responded by raising the tempo, with Abdallah testing Masaka from distance before Said Tsuma unleashed a long-range strike that required another alert save from the Homeboyz custodian.

The pressure intensified as Abdallah fired a teasing volley that forced Masaka into a full-stretch double-handed punch, while Balecho came agonisingly close when his effort beat the goalkeeper but was brilliantly cleared off the line by Silas Abungana.

Just when it seemed Homeboyz would hold on, Bandari struck at the death. In the final moments of regulation time, Mohamed Barisa produced a spectacular overhead kick from Abdallah Hassan's corner kick delivery that sailed past Masaka to restore parity and send Mbaraki Stadium into raptures.

Before Homeboyz could regroup, Bandari completed the turnaround in stoppage time.

Clifford Otieno launched a long ball forward, which Amza Ndayou latched onto before calmly lobbing Masaka to seal a dramatic winner.

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The victory marked Bandari’s fourth win of the season, lifting them to 20 points and keeping them within touching distance of the leading pack, now seven points adrift of AFC Leopards.

For Kakamega Homeboyz, the defeat proved costly, as they dropped vital points in the title race and missed a golden opportunity to reclaim top spot, a setback that could prove significant in their quest for a maiden FKF Premier League title.