FKFPL Bandari drop points against Talanta as Wazito stun Ulinzi Stars

The Dockers remained sixth on the log, while Wazito kept their hopes of retaining their status in the top-flight league alive.

Bandari FC came from behind to hold FC Talanta to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) match played at the Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa. 

The draw is the Dockers’ fourth this season and sees them remain in sixth place with 40 points, while Talanta remained 14th with 27 points following the stalemate.

The match got off to a slow start, with neither side coming out of the blocks with any pace or real intensity. Through the first half hour Bandari enjoyed more possession and midfielder Douglas Mokaya was an influential figure.

However, Talanta had their promising moments, especially when Herman Ngala and Lucas Waitere combined down the left flank, though the hosts' goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka was left relatively untested.

With the lack of creativity and penetration, it was no surprise to see the half end 0-0. 

In the second half, Omusinde continued with his form as he made a good save once again denying Bandari a lead.

In the 50th minute Talanta pushed forward in attack, but Amayi Atariza made a clearance with a header.

Nine minutes later Umaru Kasumba came close to finding the back of the net for Bandari with a volley inside the box, but his shot missed the target.

Bandari were forced to be a bit more attacking at the hour mark after falling behind but this is where the visitors back line shone.

Eventually, they forgot to fall back and defend as Talanta hit the back of the net through  December Ihisakah following a well-worked move in the 65th minute.

Bandari finally found an equaliser in the 76th minute, with Enoch Machaka combining well with Kasumba to level the game at 1-1. The latter provided a fine cross for the former, who got ahead of his marker and directed the ball into the back of the net. 

The teams traded half-chances in what remained of the game, but ultimately they settled for a share of the spoils.

Wazito 1-0 Ulinzi Stars

Both teams showcased their intent from the onset with Collins Neto and Clinton Okoth trying their luck at either end of the pitch before the half-hour mark.

Enosh Ochieng then forced Tom Muthomi into a good save in the 37th minute with the hosts not content in going on the defensive against the Soldiers.

Despite chances at either end the half would end goalless.

The clash would continue at the same tempo following the interval with Ulinzi Stars throwing everything but the kitchen sink at their opponents.

However, the home side began to dominate the proceedings and they grabbed the lead in the 70th minute when Robert Onyango scored from a set piece to make it 1-0 to Wazito.

Ulinzi then pressed for an equalizing goal and in the 80th minute Wazito goalkeeper Muthomi fumbled the ball, but he did well to recover before the opposition could pounce.

Issa Mulumba received the ball inside the Wazito box six minutes later and he forced Muthomi into a low save as the visitors searched for the equalizing goal.

The shot-stopper then produced a great save to deny Omar Bongi with three minutes left on the clock to ensure that Wazito walked away 1-0 winners on the day.