Bandari FC lost 1-0 to visiting Nairobi City Stars in a Kenya Premier League (KPL) match on Saturday at KPA Mbaraki Sports Club.
Vincent Owino scored the sole goal of the game to clinch victory for City Stars in the 34th minute, past Bandari goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka, who failed to save the shot.
The win moved the City Stars to second position after 21 games, with 37 points, while Bandari fell to fifth position with 34 points.
Nicholas Muyoti, City Stars coach, was impressed with his team’s performance, indicating that they played a tactical game.
“The boys did their best today, and that is why we won. We played excellent defense since we knew our opponents, Bandari, were an offensive team.
They put us under a lot of pressure, but my defenders kept their composure, and we returned to Nairobi with three points,” said Muyoti.
He noted that they have already fulfilled their seasonal target because they did not expect to be in the position they are in now, although they are not looking forward to winning the league.
Bandari Coach John Baraza said that his team’s failure to capitalise on numerous opportunities presented during the game cost them the victory.
“Sometimes, you just accept the result. I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate City Stars on their victory. My boys’ mentality was good, as you can see by how hard they fought to win the game, but football is a crazy game at times,” stated Baraza.
The coach is optimistic they can actualize their dream of winning the league despite the points differences with the league frontrunners, Gor Mahia FC.
Bandari is preparing to play last-place Nzoia Sugar away, while Nairobi City Stars are preparing to face Gor Mahia in Nairobi. Both matches are scheduled for Saturday, February 17.
By Abdulrahman Allui
