Gunshots fired as Bandari held by Homeboyz

Gunshots were fired in the air to disperse rowdy youths who were protesting the exclusion of some players from the Bandari FC line-up during their SportPesa Premier League match against Kakamega Homeboyz at Mbaraki Sports Club, Mombasa on Saturday.

However, the incident did not stop the match from continuing as police officers managed to put the situation under control.

Mombasa County Sports Officer, Rajab Babu, who is also the National Beach football team coach, managed to calm down the youths. The game ended in a goalless draw despite the visitors dominating.

Bandari head coach Paul Nkata said they failed to win the game because his strikers were not sharp.

“I’m satisfied with the way the defenders and midfielders performed but my strikers did little to make sure we get the goals,” said Nkata.

His Homeboyz counterpart Mike Muiruri was pleased with the point.

“Taking into account our long trip from Kakamega which resulted in fatigue among the players, a draw is a positive result said Muiruri.

The visitors were in complete command in the first 15 minutes. In the 10th minute, they almost took the lead when Wycliffe Ochomo unleashed a brilliant shot which Bandari keeper Wilson Obungu saved brilliantly.

Bandari’s Dan Sserunkuma failed to utilise two golden chances in the 25th and 26th minutes, on both occasions put through by his Ugandan colleague Musa Mudde.

The home team got another opportunity in the 40th minute when defender Siraj Mohamed overlapped and sent a powerful drive which was parried by Homeboyz goalkeeper David Juma.

The resulting corner by Willy Lugogo was teed up by Michael Luvutsi to Mudde whose shot sailed wide.

In the second half, the visitors continued to pile up the pressure but were thwarted by the Bandari defence marshalled by the promising Felly Mulumba.