Kenyan Premier League: Bandari shock Sofapaka as Vihiga lose to Mathare

Sofapaka were given a rude start to the Kenyan Premier League after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Bandari in Mombasa.

In Thika, Allan Wanga scored his first league goal for Kakamega Homeboyz in their 1-0 win over their hosts Thika United.

In Mombasa, midfielder Anthony Wambani hit a brace in a span of five minutes in the opening 20 minutes to give the dockers a comfortable first half lead before David King’atua pounced on a rebound to put the game beyond Batoto Ba Mungu’s.

At Bukhungu Stadium, former Tusker striker Clifford Alwanga netted a brace as Mathare United came from behind to beat newcomers Vihiga United 2-1.

Alwanga cancelled out Dennis Wafula’s first half opener after pouncing on Edward Seda’s pass in the second half before he bagged his brace to complete Mathare’s comeback.

In Thika, visitors Homeboyz started the brighter side with Ali Bai’s close range attempt in the third minute going over the bar before Moses Shikati’s glancing header from Collins Kisuya’s corner also going wide.

Homeboyz goalkeeper David Juma pulled two fine saves in succession to stop Bernard Iregi and Eugene Mukangula’s efforts.

Bai missed a precious scoring opportunity as he agonisingly smashed his shot against the side-netting in the 12th minute.

A minute later, Allan Wanga then capitalised on Thika goalkeeper Eliud Emase’s blunder to break the deadlock, his first league goal in Homeboyz shirt. Wanga received a pass on the right flank,created some space for himself before unleashing a low shot that was fumbled by Emase into the net.

Thika came close to drawing level in the 22nd minute when Shami Kibwana’s free kick was deflected for a fruitless corner before Clement Masakidi’s goal-bound powerful shot was blocked bya Homeboyz defender.

The visitors were forced to make an early change after Moses Mudavadi was stretchered off after suffering a knee injury, with Festo Omukoto replacing him on the stroke of halftime.

Wanga had a chance to double the lead just before the break, but his effort missed target by inches.

Mwinyi will have himself to blame after he found himself right in front of goal five minutes into the second half, but in-decision cost him the scoring chance before Mukangula forced a fine save from Juma. Substitute David Agesa saw his close range attempt miss target by a whisker in the 68th minute as the milkmen piled pressure on Homeboyz’s backline searching for an equaliser.

Homeboyz launched a counter-attack immediately, but Wycliffe Opondo’s shot went wide.

Mukangula then fluffed another golden opportunity, tapping wide Agesa’s incisive cross from the right before Agesa was denied by Homeboyz keeper. [Rodgers Eshitemi]