Bandari sip Tusker, Leopards swat aside Nakumatt

Congolese-born striker Yema Mwana struck in the fourth as high-flying Bandari beat lacklustre Tusker 1-0 to consolidate their second place in the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) at Ruaraka grounds on Sunday.

A similar result was witnessed at Afraha Stadium in favour of Sony Sugar who condemned Ulinzi Stars to their second consecutive defeat courtesy of Enock Agwanda’s long range strike at the stroke of halftime.

“I am extremely happy for the victory against Ulinzi who are a hard nut to crack at their backyard,” said Sony coach Patrick Odhiambo, who has won four games in a row.

In Machakos, Ezekiel Odera claimed a first half brace as Jafari Owiti and Marvin Nabwire joined the party with a goal apiece to guide 13-time champions AFC Leopards to a 4-2 rout of Nakumatt to move into third place with 45 points, three behind second-placed Bandari.

Nakumatt got their goals through Joe Waithira and ex-Leopards winger Timonah Wanyonyi.

The shock result of the weekend was recorded at Narok Stadium where 2009 champions Sofapaka dropped to fourth spot following a 1-0 loss to relegation threatened Vihiga United.

At Kasarani stadium, Mathare United won the bragging rights in the Slum derby after edging out arch-rivals Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 in an entertaining encounter.

Eric Kapaito sent a few Sharks fans in the terrace into a frenzy with a 12th minute opener before Chrispinus Oduor levelled on 23 minutes but it was youngster Ahmed Ahmad’s spectacular free kick six minutes to the final whistle that ended Mathare's eight-match winless run.

And in Thika, Wazito leapfrogged Thika United to 17th following a 3-1 win over the hosts.

Back at Ruaraka grounds, Mwana turned home Darius Msagha’s corner after Tusker defenders failed to clear their lines four minutes after Fifa referee Israel Mpaima got the proceedings underway.

Tusker thought to have levelled eight minutes later but David Juma’s goal was disallowed for an offside.

Bandari moved second on 48 points, 11 adrift of champions Gor Mahia who host Kakamega Homeboyz at Moi Stadium, Kisumu Monday afternoon.

“Gor Mahia have already snatched the title, we are now focusing on finishing second and this win has given an edge to achieve that,” said Bandari coach Bernard Mwalala whose charges halted Gor’s 22-match unbeaten run Tuesday last week.

Tusker coach Robert Matano blamed the defeat on poor officiating.

“Bandari have won but the referee participated in the result by denying us a goal in the first half and a penalty when Timothy (Otieno) was fouled in the box in the second half,” Matano said.

Sunday results

Thika United 1-3 Wazito

Mathare United 2-1 Kariobangi Sharks

Nakumatt 2-4 AFC Leopards

Tusker 0-1 Bandari

Sofapaka 0-1 Vihiga United

Ulinzi Stars 0-1 Sony Sugar

Monday fixture

Gor Mahia v Kakamega Homeboyz (Moi Stadium, Kisumu, 4pm)

Reports by Vincent Opiyo, David Kwalimwa and Francis Mureithi