Bandari hit Ulinzi Stars in preseason tie
What you need to know:
- Bandari remained unbeaten in warm up matches.
- Mwalala plans more friendlies in Nairobi.
- They open the season against Gor Mahia in Mombasa.
SportPesa Premier League side Bandari FC maintained their unbeaten streak as they edged Ulinzi Stars FC 3-2 in a preseason friendly played on Saturday at Serani Sports Ground, Mombasa.
A penalty by centre-back Felly Mulumba and a goal by William Wadri gave the home side a two goal lead before Ulinzi’s John Njuguna halved the deficit for a 2-1 score at the break. Wycliffe Ochomo extended the Dockers lead in the second stanza through another penalty but Enos Ochieng clawed one back for the soldiers.
Bandari were fast off the blocks making several attacks but their striking force led by Abdalla Hassan, Yema Mwana and Wilberfoce Lugogo were wasteful. The home team took the lead in the 20th minute when Siraj Mohammed combined well with Mwana who floated in a delightful cross that Wadri volleyed in past a hapless Ulinzi goalkeeper Jacton Odhiambo.
The Dockers stretched their lead in the 38th minute as Mulumba converted from the spot after Wadri had been brought down in the box. Ulinzi reduced the deficit two minutes later when Bandari’s shot stopper Farouk Shikalo failed to deal with Njuguna's low shot.
Both teams made extensive changes as they sought to test their players ahead of league’s kick off. Ochomo, who had come in for Mwana in the 68th minute, made no mistake from the penalty spot after an Ulinzi defender had handled in the box.
The soldiers later camped in the Dockers half in the closing stages and they deservedly got a late goal. Former Bandari midfieder Omar Boraafya sent a glancing header towards an onrushing Ochieng' who blast the ball into the net.
Bandari head coach Benard Mwalala said that Ulinzi provided the sternest test in their preseason friendlies providing him with an opportunity to fine tune his charges. “This was our biggest test so far in our pre-season warm-up matches and we shall be travelling to Nairobi on Tuesday to play more competitive friendlies,” he said.
He also revealed plans to play more friendlies in Kwale, Malindi and Kilifi before they host defending champions Gor Mahia in the season opener at Mbaraki Sports Club on December 8.
