Bandari cage AFC Leopards in Mombasa as Homeboyz maintain perfect start

Bidco United’s Steven Okello (left) and Herit Mungai of Nairobi City Stars during FKF Premier League at Ruaraka Grounds on Monday, July 26, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Nairobi City Stars moved to the top of the FKF Premier League standings after beating Bidco United 2-0 in an early kick off match at Thika Stadium yesterday.

Nicholas Kipkirui and Erick Ombija struck in the second half to hand City Stars their third win of the campaign that took them to the summit with nine points.

Kakamega Homeboyz join them on nine points too after maintaining a 100 per cent start to the campaign with another commanding 2-0 win over Posta Rangers at Bhukungu Stadium. Francis Omondi and David Odhiambo scored to hand the Kakamega side the win.

In Mombasa, Bandari bounced back to winning ways after edging out AFC Leopards 2-1 at Mbaraki.

It was a sweet victory for the Dockers who lost to Posta Rangers 2-0 at the same venue last Wednesday.

However, it was a bitter pill to swallow for Leopards after they succumbed to their second successive defeat after being silenced 1-0 by rivals Gor Mahia last Wednesday in Nairobi.

Bandari finished the match with 10 men after goalkeeper Michael Wanyika saw red in the 68th minute forcing coach Andre Mbungo to bring in Justin Ndikumana and making double substitution of Abdalla Hassan and Umar Kasumba.

Kasumba gave Bandari the lead in the 22nd minute before Isaac Kipyegon equalised for AFC Leopards from the spot in the 38th minute.

William Wadri scored Bandari’s winner at the stroke of halftime courtesy of a penalty for a 2-1 win.

The win took the Dockers joint first with nine points after four matches alongside City Stars and Homeboyz who are first and second by virtue of goals scored.

At Thika, last season’s runners up KCB bagged their first win of the season after defeating Sofapaka 2-1.

Robinson Kamura and James Mazembe struck for the bankers before Stephen Okola pulled a goal back for Sofapaka.

Other results saw Mathare United beat hosts Nzoia Sugar 2-1 and Kariobangi Sharks hold Wazito to a 1-1 draw.

Elsewhere, Gor Mahia advanced to the final playoff round of the Caf Confederation Cup after the continental football body, Caf cancelled the return leg of their second round match against Al Ahly Merowe which was to be played yesterday at Nyayo Stadium.

Gor were ready to finish the job against the Sudanese side after winning the first leg 3-1.