Nairobi City Stars continued with their dominance over giants AFC Leopards

By Gilbert Wandera

Bandari draw with Mathare United on soggy pitch

Nairobi City Stars continued with their dominance over giants AFC Leopards after winning on Saturday’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match 2-1 at City Stadium.

It was however, a better score line for Leopards who lost to the same side 3-0 last season in their first leg encounter.

It was Leopards who went ahead first on sartuday  with a Jonas Nahimana seventh minute goal after he jumped to head home a well executed corner kick by Paul Were.

But City Stars fought back and went into the break leading 2-1 after George Mwangi scored at the stroke of half time.

But just like with the first goal scored by Joel Sebuliba in the 42nd minute of the match,Leopard’sdefenders will once again take the flack for a shoddy job.

On the way to scoring the goal. Jimmy Bagaye was allowed free access into the Leopards den and he released Bruno Sserenkuma whose attempt was punched into George Mwangi’s feet and he made no mistake tapping home the opener for the winners.

The first goal by City Stars was equally a mistake by the Leopards defence. Abbas Kiwalaby’s half clearence fell on the feet of Sebuliba who made no mistake and thumped home the winner.

Take blame

Leopards should blame themselves for not scoring more goals in the first half.They lost at least three clear chances all falling on Allan Wanga.

First Mike Barasa picked him out with a neat pass and his attempt to score with a back-heel went awafully wrong in the 17th minute.

Then after the half hour mark he missed again after shooting straight into the hands of City Stars goalkeeper. His third miss was in the 40th minute as he opted for power strike instead of precision after Were had done the donkey work.

Time is ticking away for AFC Leopards coach Luc Eymael, who promised to turn around the fortunes of the club in a month’s time.

Appointed last month to replace Tom Olaba, Eymael looked on as his side failed  in their hunt for maximum points. This makes his work hard as Leopards are seeding ground to its rivals.

Barren draw

In Mombasa, Bandari battled to a barren draw with Mathare United at the Mbaraki Sports Club.

Signs of the match being cancelled were evident due to the heavy rains, which have been pouring in Mombasa for the past four days thus making the playing surface wet.

However, the match referee and both team officials made consultations and agreed the match should go on to avoid the visiting team Mathare United incurring extra expenses.

There was little to be offered by both teams, as they could not play carpet football due to the poor state of the pitch. Both teams missed several scoring chances after defenders opted to play and clear the ball from the backline.

Mathare’s defenders Edger Ochieng and Kevin Ochieng stood firm at the backline while Bandari’s Ali Bhai and Victor Majid were the kept the opponent’s defenders on toes.

Mathare benched Vincent Odongo, Meshack Karani and Gabriel Nduru for Daniel Mwaura, Godian Mumina and Hillary Otieno while Bandari rested Hamisi Ali and David Naftalis for Shaban Kenga and Fredrick Ojwang.