AFC Leopards caged: KPL Zoo drink Tusker in Kericho as Homeboyz fish out Sharks

Coach Francis Kimanzi of Mathare FC watch his team from the fence after he was awarded red card by the referee during KPL match against Wazito FC at Camp Toyoyo on Saturday April 21, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Mathare United fail to open gap as they fall to Wazito at Camp Toyoyo.

Bandari bagged three crucial points after they beat AFC Leopards 1-0 in a thrilling Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at the Mbaraki Sports Club, Mombasa County yesterday.

At Camp Toyoyo, Francis Kimanzi was sent off to the stands as Mathare United slumped to a 1-0 defeat to KPL newcomers Wazito.

Pistons Mutamba was once again the hero for Wazito, capitalising on Mathare goalkeeper Job Ochieng’s inexperience to score a last-gasp free kick and hand the Slum Boys their second defeat in a row.

This was moments after referee Moses Simiyu had red carded Kimanzi for encroaching onto the pitch while protesting for a penalty.

In an earlier match at the same venue, Ugandan import Hassan Kikoyo came off the bench to score a match-winner as Kakamega Homeboyz beat Kariobangi Sharks 2-1.

In Kericho, Tusker woes continued as they fell 3-1 to Zoo Kericho at the Kericho Green Stadium. Nicholas Kipkirui grabbed a brace with Michael Madoya scoring the other. Tusker got the consolation goal from Mathews Odongo.

In Mombasa, Leopards started the match strongly and with the huge support of drum-beating fans, it seemed victory was on their side. Robinson Kamura forced Leopards fans to jump from their seats in the sixth minute when his powerful shot hit the crossbar as they kept Bandari goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo busy.

Bandari broke the stalemate in the 73rd minute as Boniface Akenga reacted fast to a loose ball at the danger zone to easily find the back of the net.

Bandari coach Ken Odhiambo was full of praise for his charges. “We played a strong side but I am happy we won,” he said.

Leopard’s tactician Kitambi said his strikers wasted several scoring chances in both halves.