Hosts Bandari share the spoils with Leopards in friendly

PHOTO | GIDEON MAUNDU Bandari FC goalkeeper Kennedy Onyanja thwarts AFC Leopards striker Lawrence Tumba (left) as he attempted to score a goal during a friendly match played at the Mbaraki Sports Club. The game ended 1-1.

What you need to know:

  • Bandari coach Rishadi Shedu was satisfied with the result, saying the match had helped the team prepare for the remaining matches against fellow Coast-based Div.1 sides Congo United and Sparki Youth, as well as Kibera Celtics and Green Berets

National Division One League side Bandari FC on Saturday held Tusker Premiership title contenders AFC Leopards to a 1-1 draw in a friendly at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa.

The match got off to a quick pace as Bandari sought an early goal against their opponents with Shaaban Kenga coming close several times.

In the 13th minute Kenga was put through by Mohamed Shariff but his cracking shot bounced off the upright and Abbas Kwalabye cleared the rebound.

Leopards threatened to take the lead when Mike Baraza sent a powerful shot but Bandari custodian Ken Onyancha, who was named man of the match, pushed the ball out for an corner.

The Coast side took the lead in the 44th minute through Tanzanian striker David Naftali, whose free kick beat Ingwe keeper Patrick Matasi.

In the second half Leopards coach Jan Koops fielded a different set of players, only retaining Erick Masika.

Leopards came back strongly and dictated terms as they tested Bandari’s defence line of Erick Opondo, Mohamed Shariff and Meshack.

Capitalised on a mix-up

The Nairobi side capitalised on a mix-up in the Bandari defence to equalise in the 76th through Robert Siongo, who unleashed a long shot that went past Onyancha between the goalposts.

A minute before time, Bandari got a golden chance to win the game when Toni Otieno put through second-half substitute Mohamed Banka, who shot wide with only Leopards reserve custodian Barnabas Tiema to beat.

Bandari coach Rishadi Shedu was satisfied with the result, saying the match had helped the team prepare for the remaining matches against fellow Coast-based Div.1 sides Congo United and Sparki Youth, as well as Kibera Celtics and Green Berets.

Bandari need to win two matches to return to top-flight football.