Late Wambani goal hands Bandari victory

What you need to know:

  • Anthony Wambani’s 83rd minute goal was enough to give hosts Bandari FC a 1-0 victory over the visiting Wazito in a Kenya Premier League match at Mbaraki Sports Club on Saturday.
  • With the game seemingly headed for barren draw, Bandari head coach Ken Odhiambo brought three substitutes - Shaaban Kenga, David King’atua and Keegan Ndemi and the trio helped the homeside secure the three points.
  • Odhiambo said it was his plan to bench the three players to see Wazito's play and knew their opponents would be worn out in the second half because they always start their games with speed.

Anthony Wambani’s 83rd minute goal was enough to give hosts Bandari FC a 1-0 victory over the visiting Wazito in a Kenya Premier League match at Mbaraki Sports Club on Saturday.

With the game seemingly headed for barren draw, Bandari head coach Ken Odhiambo brought three substitutes - Shaaban Kenga, David King’atua and Keegan Ndemi and the trio helped the homeside secure the three points.

Odhiambo said it was his plan to bench the three players to see Wazito's play and knew their opponents would be worn out in the second half because they always start their games with speed.

“It was my plan to bring in Kenga, King’atua and Ndemi for John Avire, Joshua Oyoo and Wycliffe Ochomo knowing Wazito players will be tired and I’m happy my plan paid dividend,” said Odhiambo.

He said he was happy with the three points and expressed hope of winning their next match against Gor Mahia at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Wazito FC head coach Frank Ouna said his charges failed to make use of the chances they created.

“It was not our day as we played better than Bandari but our opponents scored with their only chance. This is how football is, sometimes you play better but lose,” said Ouna.

Bandari were slow to get into their stride in the opening 45 minutes, which Wazito mainly concentrated in defending deep. Wazito made their first try in the 12th minute when Joakim Omolo dribbled his way past Fred Nkata, but his powerful shot was saved by Bandari goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo.

Bandari could have taken the lead in the 53rd minute when Bernard Odhiambo was put through by Hassan Abdalla, but shot wide. Three minutes later, Odhiambo could have cost his team when he his stray backpass was intercepted by Vunyoli Mutambo, but the Waztio man shot wide.

The goal arrived in the 83rd minute, when Bandari veteran Kenga floated a cross and Wambani to easily tapped the ball home with Wazito goalie Eric Ogwade well beaten.