FKF-PL: Tusker back on top, Bandari extend good run
Bandari players celebrate their goal against Kariobangi Sharks during their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at Kasarani Annex, Nairobi on May 22, 2022.
What you need to know:
- First half goals from Abdallah Hassan and Brian Odera saw Bandari bag maximum points against Sharks.
- "We are aiming for the league title. We played against the team with one of the best coaches in the land, and I am proud of the boys because we utilised our chances well," said Bandari coach Anthony Kimani.
Defending champions Tusker Sunday returned to the top of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League table after playing out a 2-2 draw against relegation-bound Nzoia Sugar in an entertaining clash at Ruaraka grounds, Nairobi.
At Kasarani Annex, Bandari tightened their grip on the third place by winning their seventh consecutive match after beating Kariobangi Sharks 2-0. Sharks were resuming their league matches after dishing out a walkover against AFC Leopards last weekend.
In another league match, struggling Ulinzi Stars battled to a barren draw against Vihiga Bullets at Bukhungu Stadium Kakamega.
At Ruaraka grounds, Tanzanian import Ibrahim Joshua took his goal tally to 11 this season after netting a brace in the contest for the brewers, while Joseph Mwangi and Ian Karani were on target for Nzoia Sugar.
Tusker took the lead in the 39th minute after Isaac Kipyegon floated in a high cross which Joshua headed goal-wards, but hit the goal post before he sealed it with a ferocious rebound shot past Nzoia Sugar custodian Humprey Katasi.
An unmarked Mwangi headed home James Kibande's free kick in the 70th minute to restore parity for the cane cutters before Karani gave them the lead via another header from another James Kibande set-piece
However, Joshua quickly levelled matters for the brewers in the 75th minute after finishing off second half substitute Eric Zakayo's cross.
“It was not a good game for us because we didn’t defend well from set pieces. The race for the league is still on and we shall fight until the end of the season,” said Tusker coach Robert Matano.
His opposite number Salim Babu bemoaned their missed chances.
“We are fighting to avoid relegation and my players showed great mentality. Generally we played well and this point is a plus for us,” said Babu.
Kakamega Homeboyz had gone top of the table on Saturday with 57 points after a 1-1 draw with Gor Mahia. Tusker, also on 57 points, are top due to a superior goal difference.
The brewers have played 31 matches and face Bidco United and Posta Rangers in their last two matches.
Homeboyz still have AFC Leopards, FC Talanta and Kariobangi Sharks to contend with. Nzoia sit 15th on 27 points.
At Kasarani Annex, first half goals from Abdallah Hassan and Brian Odera saw Bandari bag maximum points against Sharks.
"We are aiming for the league title. We played against the team with one of the best coaches in the land, and I am proud of the boys because we utilised our chances well," said Bandari coach Anthony Kimani.
Despite the defeat, Kariobangi Sharks are still sixth on 40 points and have three fixtures left.
Sunday's Results
Tusker 2 Nzoia Sugar 2
Vihiga Bullets 0 Ulinzi Stars 0
Kariobangi Sharks 0 Bandari 2
