Bandari sink Vihiga to move to fifth

Bandari striker Shaban Kenga (front) shields the ball from Vihiga United's Soita Silicho during their SportPesa Premier League match at KPA Mbaraki Grounds in Mombasa on June 7, 2018. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT |

What you need to know:

  • Substitute Darius Msagha’s 75th minute strike handed the dockers the three points, moving them to 27 points in the log.
  • Bandari head coach Ken Odhiambo praised his substitutes who proved to be the difference for his side.

Hosts Bandari moved to fifth position on the SportPesa Premier League table following a hard fought 1-0 win over Vihiga United at the Mbaraka Stadium, Mombasa on Thursday.

Substitute Darius Msagha’s 75th minute strike handed the dockers the three points, moving them to 27 points in the log.

Msagha, who came in for Shaaban Kenga in the 75th minute, received a fine pass from William Wardi and sent a powerful drive which Vihiga goalkeeper Geofrey Oputi failed to hold.

Bandari head coach Ken Odhiambo praised his substitutes who proved to be the difference for his side.

“I’m so impressed with Nkata and Msagha who changed the game to secure the winning goal,” said Odhiambo.

He said the victory will automatically give his players morale to win their next fixture against Chemelil Sugar away from home next Tuesday.

“We never gave up and left it till late to secure the victory and this will no doubt give my players hope of beating our next opponents,” said Odhiambo.

Vihiga United head coach Mike Mururi said his player lost concentration in the final minutes to concede the late goal.

“We played well in the first half and part of the last half where we lost almost three good scoring chances, but my players collapsed towards the end and suffered the consequences,” he said.

The game started at a cracking pace with the visitors having an upper hand. They got a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 30th minute when captain Charles Okwemba sent a brilliant header off a fine cross from Patrick Okulo, but Bandari custodian Farouk Shikhalo made a good save.

Just a minute before half time, Vihiga had another good scoring opportunity when Okwemba made a solo run and unleashed a powerful drive which was parried for a corner.

In the second half, Bandari came into the game and dominated for most of the 45 minutes but could not find a breakthrough until late on.