Bandari give AFC Leopards shocking defeat in Mombasa

Yusuf Mwinge of AFC Leopards dribbles past Dancan Otewa [down] of Bandari during an FKF Premier League match in Mombasa on 19th February 2021. [Omondi Onyango, The Standard]

Ugandan midfielder William Wadri scored a brace in a span of eight minutes as Bandari silenced AFC Leopards 2-1 in Friday’s FKF Premier League match in Mombasa.

While the defeat was a rude welcome for the newly appointed Ingwe coach Patrick Aussems in the league, for Bandari’s Cassa Mbungo, the win helped him prove a point against his former employers.

It took only three minutes for Wadri to break the deadlock before doubling the lead in the 11th minute. Marvin Nabwire pulled a goal back for AFC Leopards in the 22nd minute but the dockers held their nerves to hand the fifth placed Ingwe their third loss of the season and go level on 19 points.

In Kericho, two second half goals from Omar Boraafya and Oscar Wamalwa (penalty) was all that Ulinzi Stars needed to beat visiting Sofapaka 2-0.

The victory saw the soldiers take their points tally to 17 and leapfrog record champions Gor Mahia, who will be away in Zambia for their CAF Confederation Cup return leg tie against Napsa Stars on Sunday, into the sixth spot.  

Meanwhile, former Kenyan international Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo has been rewarded for his loyalty to Gor Mahia after the club handed him the assistant coach role on Friday.

Omollo’s appointment comes barely two weeks after he was shown the door by Posta Rangers due to a string of poor results.

But it was just a matter of time before K’Ogalo confirmed their former player’s appointment as he had earlier heeded their call to assist them in the CAF Champions League following the disqualification of their former Brazilian coach Roberto Oliveira.

Elsewhere, record domestic cup winners AFC Leopards have been drawn against Stanley Okumbi’s Posta Rangers in the round 32 of the Betway Cup slated for April 17-18.

Friday’s draw conducted at Football Kenya Federation’s headquarters saw three time winners Sofapaka paired against Ulinzi Stars in all FKF Premier League matchup as holders Bandari are set to host Dimba Patriots in Mombasa.

Nairobi City Stars will be on the road again with National Super League (NSL) side providing the opposition this time around, while Premier League leaders Tusker will also be away to lower tier outfit Marafiki.

Title-chasing KCB have a date with Transfoc as former champions Kariobangi Sharks tackle Tandaza. Bidco United will host Twyford.

Nation FC have been rewarded for their 2-1 win over Vihiga Sportiff with another trip to western region against 2018 semifinalists Bungoma Superstars.

Save for earning a ticket to represent the country in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, the winners of the domestic cup whose finals are slated for July 31 will pocket Sh2m in prize money.

PHOTOS OF THE BANDARI vs AFC LEOPARDS MATCH:

Melvin Omondi [left] of AFC Leopards and Lumumba Felix of Bandari in action at the Bandari Sports Club in Mombasa. [Omondi Onyango, The Standard]

AFC Leopard's Caleb Olilo [Omondi Onyango, The Standard]

Melvin Omondi [right] of AFC Leopards is challenged by Ahmed Ali of Bandari on 19th February 2021. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

William Wadri of Bandari FC celebrates after scoring the second goal for his team when they played against Mathare United FC during their Kenya Premier League match played at the Mbaraki Sports Club, February 22, 2020. [Photo: Gideon Maundu, The Standard]