Bandari FC held AFC Leopards to a frustrating draw in a match marked by missed chances.
Bandari FC and AFC Leopards battled to a goalless draw on Sunday afternoon at the Mbaraki Sports Club in a match that saw both sides squander key chances.
The hosts Bandari FC, anchored by the experienced Farouk Shikhalo in goal, fielded a compact defensive pairing of Brian Odera and Siraj Mohamed, while skipper Geoffrey Ojunga led the attacking charge alongside Beja Nyamawi and Fidel Otieno.
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Nyayo Stadium had been closed yet again for the instalation of a new tartan track ahead of the Kip Keino Classic and the 97th Mashemeji Derby.
AFC Leopards, on the other hand, relied on the safe hands of Levis Opiyo in goal and were captained by Bandi Lewis, with Victor Omune and Kayci Odhiambo tasked with offensive duties.
The match began on a sluggish note, with neither team asserting dominance in the opening exchanges.
It wasn’t until the 10th minute that the game sparked into life as AFC Leopards’ Brian Wanyama tried his luck from distance, only to be denied by Shikhalo’s quick reflexes.
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Bandari responded in the 20th minute through Ojunga, who forced Opiyo into a smart save, but that was one of the few real chances in a first half filled with midfield battles and missed opportunities.
Drama unfolded in the 30th minute when Kayci Odhiambo went down in the box under pressure from Bandari's defenders.
Despite loud penalty appeals from the Leopards' bench and fans, the referee waved play on, ruling no foul had occurred.
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The match remained goalless at halftime, with AFC Leopards dealt a blow after Victor Otieno was forced off with an injury.
Leopards responded with a double substitution after the break, bringing on Hassan Beja and Christopher Koloti in a bid to sharpen their attack.
Leopards began the second half with more urgency and were eventually rewarded with a penalty in the 66th minute after Ronald Sichenje was brought down in the box.
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Wanyama, who had been instrumental throughout the game, stepped up but failed to convert as Shikhalo guessed correctly to keep the scoreline level, a moment that summed up Leopards' afternoon.
Despite late pressure from Leopards, with substitutes like Kelly Madada adding spark, Bandari’s resolute defending and Shikhalo’s commanding presence ensured the hosts held on for a point.
How they lined-up:
Bandari FC XI: Farouk Shikhalo (GK), Joseph Onyango, Brian Odera, Siraj Mohamed, Swaleh Pamba, Robert Onyango, Clifford Otieno, Alfred Emoni, Beja Nyamawi, Geoffrey Ojunga (C), Fidel Otieno.
Subs: James Omusinde, Hamisi Abdallah, John Makwatta, David Sakwa, Alvin Ngoto, Izzadin Juma, Hamisi Mwaphalu, William Gitama, Suleiman Kahema.
AFC Leopards XI: Levis Opiyo (GK), Bandi Lewis (C), Vincent Mahiga, Ken Odhiambo, Randi Bakari, Musa Oundo, Victor Otieno, Brian Wanyama, Ronald Bebeto, Kaycie Odhiambo, Victor Omune.
Subs: Ssetuba, Katasi, Semo, Maker, Kweyu, Kimani, Masaba, Koloti, Madada, Maxwell, Beja.