By Fredrick Nadduli,
Tusker 2-1 Bandari
The Tusker Premier League entered week 4 with 3 venues selected across the country but it was at the Ruaraka Stadium,18 kilometres from Nairobi city centre that the spotlight was more focused.The grounds,home to former champions Tusker,hosted a league match in more than two years.What’s more,it was a double header and beamed live on Supersport.
Tusker filed out at 2.00 pm to face Bandari,still smarting from their shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Mathare United in Mombasa.It was a cagey affair in the opening exchanges with the visitors enjoying huge chunks of ball possession before a paltry crowd in a half that saw little goalmouth action.
The 2nd half saw both teams step up a gear and it came as no surprise on 56 minutes when Abdulatif Omar,who was voted man of the match,lost his marker Athman Buki to squeeze in a near post shot to put Bandari ahead.Tusker,a little rattled and desperate to save face withdrew the ineffective Clifford Alwanga for Jesse Were in an ill tempered half
that saw no less than 7 yellow cards plus a sending off,Bandari defender Victor Majid getting his marching orders on 68 minutes.
Were pulled Tusker level two minutes later from a tap in off a fine Osborne Monday spadework from the left flank.The coastal side seemed to have the wind taken out of their sails by the equaliser and worse was tofollow six minutes later.Winger Kevin Kimani went past Humphrey Okoti with a neat step over and from a subsequent lunging tackle by captain Raphael Okello,the Europe returnee went down and seemed to leave his left foot trailing.Referee Israel Mpaima pointed to the spot much to
the chagrin of the Bandari team and bench.
Ismael Dunga stepped up and sent keeper Wilson Obungu the wrong way.The Ruaraka side,who are fast becoming masters of comebacks following a similar feat against Western Stima a fortnight ago,left coach Francis Kimanzi purring with delight,stressing at postmatch his confidence in his side’s maturity and ability to maintain a collective level head even when trailing.
His counterpart Twahir Muhiddin meanwhile expressed displeasure at the ‘soft’ penalty awarded,maintaining it should never have been.The result moved Tusker to within touching distance of leaders Sony Sugar.
KRA 1-0 MUHORONI YOUTH
KRA were up next and the debutants’ fairy tale run continued when they claimed the scalp of Muhoroni Youth.Collins Tiego put them in the lead with 9 minutes on the clock from a John Mwangi pinpoint cross.5 minutes later Mwangi’s half volley whistled past the visitors goal as the taxmen threatened to run riot.Midfielder Fred Ochieng almost levelled for the Nyanza based side,forcing a fine full stretch save from keeper Phillip Odhiambo.KRA displayed some silky football,with lanky Ugandan Ivan Anguyo the master in midfield,spraying passes and showing no lack of skills.Muhoroni had 8 goal attempts,2 on target,but
never really threatened their hosts’ rearguard.
Joseph Mulume came in for goalscorer Tiego on 70 minutes and proved a handful.In the end they were more dominant than the 1-0 scoreline suggested.Their coach Ken Kenyatta was elated with the result but was quick to point out
that he still demands more from his boys.
CITY STARS 0-0 ULINZI STARS
At the Hope Centre,City Stars welcomed Ulinzi Stars,who have tied all their 3 matches so far.Both teams’ attacks fired blanks and spoils were shared to leave coach Salim Ali still searching his first win
this season.
MATHARE UNITED 0-0 KCB
In Machakos,Mathare United,seeking to shed their infamous tag from last two seasons of ‘draw kings’ hosted their bogey team KCB.The Bankers have so far had a mixed season and matched the slum boys blow by blow in another match that had few scoring opportunities.After 90 minutes the barren draw was a fair reflection.
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