Hassan propels Bandari past Kakamega Homeboyz

Bandari emerged 1-0 winners over Kakamega Homeboyz in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match played at Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.

Abdalla Hassan scored the goal that separated the two sides, as the visitors claimed all three points and a clean sheet.

Meanwhile, Bandari announced their intent to score an early goal from the first whistle, and in the 10th minute, they came close to breaking the deadlock. However, Shikalo – who joined Homeboyz in the just concluded transfer window – managed to stop Umar Kasumba’s fierce shot.

Shikalo was alert once more in the 24th minute when he parried over the bar a low shot by Kasumba again. Hassan, whom Homeboyz’s defenders struggled to contain – made his way down the right flank before he released the ball to Omar Somobwana, who spotted Kasumba in a good scoring position.

The Ugandan was, however, unable to find the opener as Shikalo remained alert at Homeboyz’s goal.

The Dockers came close to claiming the opening goal again at the half-hour mark after another fine run by Hassan. The winger launched a powerful header that hit the crossbar, but before Kasumba could get to the rebound, Brian Eshihanda made a vital clearance as Homeboyz breathed a sigh of relief.

Bandari’s midfielder Denis Magige was the first player to be booked in the match when he was cautioned by the referee. His caution came after his dangerous foul on new Homeboyz striker Enock Agwanda in the 39th minute.

Bandari made two changes in the 50th minute as coach Anthony Kimani withdrew Joe Waithira and Douglas Mokaya and brought on Moses Asembeka and James Kinyanjui.

The Dockers’ resilience and relentless attacks were rewarded with a breakthrough in the 75th minute when Hassan scored. The Harambee Stars’ forward finally managed to beat Shikalo, who attempted to stop but the header was too powerful for him.

With the goal, Hassan has now scored five goals and also has six assists in the league.

This is a second straight win for Bandari after their last 5-0 win over Ulinzi Stars at Mbaraki Stadium.