Shabana hammer Bandari as Tusker blow chance to go top

Shabana climbed up to fourth place in the FKF Premier League (FKFPL)table after securing a 3-1 victory over visiting Bandari at Gusii Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Coming off a big 3-0 win over Murang’a Seal last weekend, Shabana in a rainy but partisan home stadium started where they left off, registering their first triumph over the Dockers since their promotion to the top-tier.

The hosts got the ground rolling via youngster Austine Odongo, who scored the opener after only 23 minutes, making it three goals for himself in the last two matches.

The goal came after Peter Okidi’s men had threatened early, though the equally red-hot Ezekiah Omuri could not get his effort on target.

Bandari, with a rare foray, almost equalized two minutes after the opener, but keeper Maxwell Mulili was there to keep out Geoffrey Ojunga’s strike when one-on-one.

Shabana’s second came minutes after the break, when Mark Okolla headed in a freekick from Brian Michira in what was his first goal of the season.

Bandari coach Ken Odhiambo had on Friday called on his players to “enjoy the music” of a noisy Gusii stadium, but soon had to deal with equally bad weather for football, as the rains pounded hard.

A flurry of long balls however led to a reprieve, as Ali Juma Halafu was found in the right bit of space to nod in a Joseph Otieno cross into the net with just more than 20 minutes remaining in the contest.

A waterlogged surface presented Shabana with a chance to put the game to bed when the ball bounced favorably for them, but saw both Okolla and Michira spurn their opportunities wide.

The returning Nehemiah Onchiri could not waste his chance however, as he pounced on a slow back-pass from the Bandari defense to side-foot his effort past a hapless Bryne Omondi, effectively sealing his side’s second win on the bounce.

Tusker blow opportunity to go top

Elsewhere in Awendo, title-chasers Tusker failed to take advantage of Kenya Police’s slip-up by squandering a one-goal lead to draw 1-1 with Mara Sugar.

Kenya Police title hopes dented by valiant City Stars

The Brewers, who could have effectively gone top with a win, took a second-half lead through Chris Erambo, but failed to close out the win, conceding a 69th minute goal from Samuel Odaro.

The point now sees Charles Okere’s side remain in second place, a point behind leaders Police, while Mara move to 11th with 29 points.

Other Sunday results

Kariobangi Sharks 2 -1 Talanta

Murang'a Seal 1-1 Bidco United