Football
Bandari FC won their first match of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Kenya Premier League (KPL) 2024/2025 season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mara Sugar FC at Mombasa Sports Club on Sunday.
Shasiri Nahimana scored the match’s lone goal in the 35th minute following a powerful shot that deflected off Mara Sugar defender Drona Openda. Bandari fought for the win to ensure they secured their first win of the season after a 1-1 draw in their opening match against Posta Rangers.
During the first half, Bandari’s striking force put pressure on the Mara Sugar defenders forcing them to sit back and defend. However, Bandari failed to capitalize on several chances except for Nahimana’s one. It was not until the second half that Mara had their first shot on target, showing their ambition to equalize. They dominated Bandari for most of the half but thanks to Bandari’s strong defensive efforts, Mara was unable to secure a draw.
Bandari Coach Ken Odhiambo was not pleased with the style in which his team won today, claiming the pace was not up to his standard. “The speed at which we played today was not good, and if we work on that, then our next opponents will be in big trouble,” said Odhiambo.
The Coach also stated he was not satisfied with today’s win stating that the season has just started so they will only celebrate after the season concludes while they have performed well. Mara’s Coach, George Midenyo, said their opponent had an upper hand in the first half and the mistake done by his player gifted Bandari the goal.
“The boys tried their best, especially in the second half, but luck was not on our side. We are considered underdogs in the league, so our focus is on avoiding relegation and taking each match seriously,” said Midenyo. Mara Sugar will face Nairobi City Stars on Saturday while Bandari has a huge task next week on Sunday as they prepare to face Kenya football giants, Gor Mahia, in a match expected to be played at Ukunda Showground, Kwale County.