Bandari exit East Africa tournament

Bandari FC goalkeepers Shaban Kenga (left) Faruk Shikhalo during SportPesa Shield championship match against Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, June 2, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

SportPesa Shield champions Bandari have bowed out of the 2019 Cecafa Kagame Cup without a win.

Holders Azam knocked out the dockers after frustrating them to a barren in yesterday’s decisive Group B match at Huye Stadium, Butare.

The dockers came into the match requiring a win to progress to the quarter-finals after drawing their opening two fixtures.

Bernard Mwalala’s men had been held to a 1-1 draw by Ugandan champions KCCA before sharing the spoils with hosts Mukura (2-2).

Idd Ally nearly gave Azam an early lead in the fifth minute but he was denied by goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo before Yema Muama’s shot was deflected for a fruitless corner on the opposite end.

Moments later, Shikalo came to Bandari’s rescue when he came off his line to stop Ally following Felly Mulumba’s defensive blunder.

Burly striker Wycliffe Ochomo thought he had broken the deadlock for the dockers only for his 24th-minute powerful header to hit the post from Fred Nkata’s brilliant delivery.

Bandari intensified their attack and almost scored on the stroke of halftime, but Shaban Kenga miscued his effort from close range before Azam striker Obrey Chola forced a fantastic save from Shikhalo.

Ochomo then missed a glorious chance in the 50th minute after being released through by William Wadri.

Bandari were almost punished immediately, but Ally’s goal was ruled off side.

Substitute Benjamin Mosha then saw his shot tipped over the bar by Azam goalkeeper Razak Abalora in the 70th minute before Muema missed a sitter as the tempo of the game increased.