Bandari join title race by applying more misery on Shabana

©Imago

FKFPL Bandari join title race by applying more misery on Shabana

Festus Chuma 16:57 - 03.03.2024

Bandari secured a crucial victory against Shabana climbing to second in the FKF Premier League standings intensifying the relegation battle for Shabana.

Bandari brushed aside Shabana 2-0 in an FKF Premier League match played at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Sunday afternoon.

Victory moved the Dockers up to second on the league standings and onto 40 points, ten behind league leaders Gor Mahia.

Defeat for Shabana extended their winless run to seven matches as they remained in 16th spot with eleven matches remaining to the end of the season.

The Glamour Boys dominated possession from the start with Justine Omwando pulling the strings from the middle of the park for the hosts.

However, Sammy Omollo's charges could not penetrate the Bandari defense as it looked solid and compact.

Bandari grew in confidence as the match progressed with William Wadri looking lively and making good runs from midfield.

Despite Wadri's efforts in midfield, there was no supply for former Talanta marksman, Francis Kahiro, who was left isolated upfront in the opening half-hour of the match.

However, Bandari managed to open their account in the 35th minute when Kahiro was finally found as he headed in the ball from an assist by Amai Atariza.

The home side could not find their way through the Dockers defense led by Michael Apundo in search of an equalizer and both sides went into the tunnel with Bandari leading 1-0.

At the beginning of the second stanza, the Glamour Boys pushed forward and their efforts were rewarded when Mathew Tegisi delivered a corner, but Michael Odera made a clearance.

In the 61st minute, Llyod Khavuchi released a thunderbolt but goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka parried his effort away from danger.

With 15 minutes to go, Sammy Omollo pulled Llyod Khavuchi off and introduced Vincent Nyabuto.

Five minutes later, Nyabuto's set-piece hit the wall following a foul on Brian Magare by Odera.

The hosts had to be cautious when pushing forward in numbers in the closing stages of the game as Bandari looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

However, Shabana were then punished in the 81st minute when William Wadri was sent through on goal to beat Fredrick Odhiambo to seal Bandari's 2-0 win.

How they lined up:

Shabana: Frederick Odhiambo, Prince Ayeko, Dimpol Omamo, George Onyango, Bernard Otieno, Brian Magare, Llyod Khavuchi, Justine Omwando, Mathew Tegisi, Japheth Lihanda, Ezekiah Omuri

Bandari: Joseph Ochuka, Brian Odera, Atariza Amai, Michael Odera, Juma Andrew, Fidel Origa, David Sakwa, William Wadri, Francis Kahiro, Shassir Nahimana, Hassan Abdallah