Leaders KCB held by Bandari, Gor beaten by Bidco United

Bandari FC were held by league leaders KCB to a 1-1 draw at home in a Kenyan Premier League top-of-the-table clash played at Ukunda Showground on Sunday afternoon.

Shariff Amubwombe scored for the home side in first half while substitute Derrick Otanga equalised for the visitors KCB towards the death.

Despite the draw, KCB remain top of the table with 23 points, just two above second-placed Tusker FC, while Bandari are third with 20 – after 12 rounds.

Speaking after the match, KCB coach Patrick Odhiambo said his boys exhibited a commendable fighting spirit.

"I’m happy with the draw, they scored first but we came back and got a draw, despite missing our key players - top scorer Francis Kahiro and playmaker James Kinyanjui.

"Kahiro is injured and Kinyanjui had family issues and as you know football is a mind game, so you need to be okay to perform even without them. I’m hopeful they will be back in our next match against Sofapaka," Odhiambo added.

On his side, Bandari’s Ken Odhiambo commended his team despite the drawing at home.

"Our game plan worked in first half but in second half it collapsed and we gifted them an easy goal. Our focus shifts to the mid-week fixture against Ulinzi Stars in Kinoru Stadium, but I’m happy the boys worked so hard, which we want to see more in the next match," averred Odhiambo.

KCB started the match on a high gear, getting numerous chances through their frontline led by Patrick Otieno and Philemon Nyakwaka, but failing to hit the target.

Bandari FC took long to settle in the game, and it was until after 20 minutes striker Beja Nyamawi, William Wadri and Abdallah Hamisi started showing signs of causing trouble to their opponents.

At the half-hour mark, on-form Michael Apudo thumped a powerful 30-yard free-kick which flew inches over the top bar, with the keeper beaten.

Amubwombe then scored for the home team with a free header, connecting Wadri’s corner kick.

KCB were forced to make double changes at the start of second half, introducing Vincent Oyouki and Michael Mutinda.

Bandari also made changes introducing youngster Willy Gitama, who had immense impact as he significantly troubled the left side of KCB’s defence.

Ten minutes to the end of the match, KCB quest for an equaliser almost paid off but Otieno’s shot just outside the 18-yard box went inches over the bar.

Just five minutes to time, Otanga collected a loose ball in the box and slotted in a hard shot past Bandari and Harambee Stars goalkeeper Bryne Omondi for an equaliser.

Elsewhere, record champions Gor Mahia were beaten 0-1 by Bidco United, while Shabana FC edged a determined FC Talanta 2-1 at the Gusii Stadium.

In the last fixture of the day, Kariobangi Sharks sunk struggling Posta Rangers 1-0, the latter remaining bottom of the table with just 10 points after 11 outings.