Bandari sink Ulinzi Stars in KPL clash at Mbaraki

Bandari FC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ulinzi Stars at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa on Saturday afternoon.

Beja Nyamawi was the hero for Bandari, scoring both goals in the first half, while Boniface Muchiri provided Ulinzi Stars with a glimmer of hope by scoring early in the second half.

The match started on a lively note, with Bandari launching quick attacks. In the opening minutes, Izzadin Juma struck a powerful shot that flew past Ulinzi goalkeeper Riks Omondi, but it deflected off the crossbar and was cleared away by the defenders.

The Dockers however broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Nyamawi finished a well-timed pass from Alfred Emoni. Just a minute later, Nyamawi had a chance to double the lead but saw his effort roll just wide off the goal.

The hosts continued to press, and their efforts paid off when they were awarded a penalty after an Ulinzi defender brought down Emoni in the box. Nyamawi stepped up to take the spot-kick, smashing the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Despite being under pressure for most of the first half, Ulinzi Stars managed to hold on, heading into halftime with a 2-0 deficit.

The second half saw Ulinzi make two quick substitutions, bringing on Yakeen Mutheli and Oscar Wamalwa, in an attempt to turn the game around.

Their efforts paid off just two minutes into the second half when Muchiri struck a low shot into the bottom corner, beating Bandari goalkeeper Bryne Omondi to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

They continued to dominate the remaining stages of the match, creating several chances, but Bandari’s defense, marshalled by Siraj Mohamed, Dennis Ng’ang’a, Joseph Onyango, and Sharif Amubwombe, held firm to prevent any further goals.

Five minutes before the end of the match, Bandari’s William Gitama, a Harambee Stars Under-20 winger, nearly extended their lead, but his shot was blocked. The victory marked Bandari’s first win in four outings, with their defence shaky and a bit of luck helping them edge past a determined Ulinzi side.

Speaking after the match, Ulinzi Stars coach Dustan Nyaudo expressed disappointment, acknowledging that his team's lack of experience cost them in the end.

"Mombasa’s weather is tough, but we started well. We conceded two soft goals, but we regrouped in the second half and created more than six clear chances. Unfortunately, my inexperienced squad couldn’t capitalize on them."

On the other hand, Bandari FC head coach Ken Odhiambo welcomed the three points but admitted that his side's performance was not perfect.

 "We had a solid first half, but their early goal in the second half disrupted our game plan. We started to mirror their style, which didn’t work, but I’m happy that we got the win. Now, we’ll focus on our next match against Shabana."