Bandari beat Bumbani Stars to advance FKF Cup

Bandari FC advanced to the Round of 16 of the Football Federation Kenya Cup after edging Division One side FC Bumbani Stars 2–1 in a tightly contested encounter at Kwale Stadium in Kwale County.

First-half goals from Amza Ndayou and youngster Erisat Orute proved decisive for the visitors, while a second-half own goal by defender Shariff Majabe gave the hosts hope but was not enough to change the outcome.

Bandari made a dream start to the match, taking the lead just four minutes after kickoff. Amza Ndayou found the back of the net from close range after latching onto a well-timed pass from Darius Msagha.

The visitors continued to press forward in search of more goals, with Orute and Msagha threatening the Bumbani defense before the hosts gradually settled into the match in front of their home crowd.

In the 22nd minute, Bumbani Stars created a promising opportunity when Kassim Shughuli unleashed a powerful strike from about 25 yards, but Bandari goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka reacted swiftly to keep the ball out.

As the first half drew to a close, Ali Waperu attempted a long-range effort from nearly 35 yards, but his shot sailed wide of the target.

Bandari doubled their advantage in the final moments of the first half. Youngster Erisat Orute tapped in from close range after connecting with a strong cross from Joseph Onyango, sending the visitors into the break with a comfortable 2–0 lead.

Bandari continued to dominate early in the second half and created several clear chances, but Amza Ndayou and Frank Ouya both failed to convert, allowing Bumbani Stars to remain in the contest.

The hosts were handed a lifeline in the 72nd minute when Shariff Majabe accidentally flicked the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a corner delivered by Sealeh Mabuka, reducing the deficit to 2–1.

Bumbani Stars pushed forward in the closing stages and controlled much of the final quarter of the match, but they could not find the equalizer as Bandari held firm to secure progression to the next round.

Speaking after the match, Bandari’s goalkeeper trainer and acting assistant coach Razak Siwa welcomed the victory and praised his team’s effort.

"We played well. It wasn’t an easy match, but we are happy we got the result we wanted. Now we shift our focus to our next KPL match."

Despite the loss, FC Bumbani Stars head coach Anwar Sadat commended his players for sticking to their game plan.

"We had a game plan. We knew Bandari is a KPL team and they would come looking for results. We were not clinical in front of goal, and that is something we must work on."