Tusker sink Bandari to storm SportPesa Shield last 16

Former domestic cup champions Tusker rallied from behind to beat Bandari 2-1 in their SportPesa Shield round of 32 match at Mbaraki Stadium on Saturday.

Bandari took an early lead through Wycliffe Ochomo’s header before Michael Khamati drew the brewers level before the break. Winger Boniface Muchiri completed the comeback with a fine finish on 58 minutes to ensure Robert Matano’s charges enter the last 16 of the tournament.

Bandari FC head coach Ken Odhiambo lamented the manner in which his charges conceded.

“We conceded easy goals and lost a penalty which would have given us a 2-1 lead at half time,” said Odhiambo.

He however refused to blame any player for the defeat claiming every team has a bad day. “We are now going to concentrate on our SportPesa Premier league matches,” the Bandari tactician said.

“I should commend my players for their fighting spirit which paid off by winning the game against a tough Bandari team,” said Matano.

The attracted a poor crowd saw Bandari taking an early lead in the fifth minute after Felly Muluma's header from a corner was punched by goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng but Wycliffe Ochomo reacted fast to find the target.

The brewers started making inroads in the Bandari dangerzone but Mulumba and stood tall.

Khamati pulled Tusker level after beating Bandari goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo after he was set up by Muchiri.

Bandari had a chance to take the lead seconds to the break after they were awarded a penalty, Mulumba’s shot hit the crossbar.

In the second half, Tusker upped the tempo and were rewarded in the 58th minute when Muchiri outpaced his marker to beat the on-rushing Shikhalo with a low shot.

In other round of 32 matches played across the country, minnows River Plate humiliated National Super League (NSL) side Kisumu All-Stars 4-1 at Moi Stadium in Kisumu while Mwatate United FC qualified for the third round without kicking a ball after their opponents Ushuru failed to turn up at Dawson Mwanyumba Stadium in Wundanyi.

RESULTS

Mwatate United 2-0 Ushuru (Wundanyi Stadium, 3 pm)

Bandari 1-2 Tusker (Mbaraki Grounds, 3 pm)

Leysa 2-1 KCB (Camp Toyoyo, 1 pm)

Kariobangi Sharks 2(4)-2(2) Wazito (Camp Toyoyo, 3.15 pm)

Posta Rangers 1-0 Kisumu Hot Stars (Green Stadium Kericho, 1 pm)

Kisumu All-Stars 1-4 Riverplate (Moi Stadium Kisumu, 3 pm)

Ligi Ndogo 0(3)-0(2) Modern Coast Rangers (Hope Centre, 3 pm)