In a thrilling encounter during round four of the Kenyan Premier League, reigning champions Gor Mahia clashed with Kakamega Homeboyz, resulting in an exciting 1-1 draw at Bukhungu Stadium.
Gor Mahia took an early lead thanks to Benson Omalla, but Homeboyz managed to level the score just after the restart, courtesy of Hillary Otieno.
This draw prevented Gor Mahia from maintaining their top position in the league table. Meanwhile, an impressive performance from Posta Rangers saw them secure a 1-0 victory against Murang’a SEAL at SportPesa Stadium, giving Posta Rangers a total of 10 points, two more than Gor Mahia.
At Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Bandari and KCB played to a goalless draw, with both teams displaying cautious approaches from the start. Despite opportunities to score, both coaches expressed frustration at their teams’ inability to convert chances into goals.
Bandari’s coach, Twahir Muhiddin, lamented, “These are two points we have donated to our opponents. I don’t know why they lack confidence when there are chances to convert.”
On the other hand, Bernard Mwalala, KCB’s coach, found positives in the draw, noting improvements in individual players. “I’m happy for the draw because I have noted some improvement in individual players, going by our past two matches. They have shown they are ready to go a notch higher, which gives us a good place to start heading to the next match,” Mwalala stated.
Both teams had their moments in the game. Bandari had a clear chance to score in the 10th minute, but Harambee Stars’ keeper Bryan Omondi thwarted Abdallah Hassan’s attempt. KCB’s best chance came in the 13th minute when Musa Masika’s header was easily cleared by Bandari Keeper Joseph Ochuka after a well-delivered corner kick from Derick Otieno.
William Wadri of Bandari had a golden opportunity seven minutes before halftime, but his shot rattled the post, with Omondi already beaten.
KCB made tactical changes, and it nearly paid off in the 72nd minute through Derick Otanga, but he was caught offside.
Abdallah Hassan’s long shot in the 65th minute was well cleared by Atariza Amai, denying Derick Otanga a scoring opportunity.
While Bandari attempted to inject more creativity by substituting James Kinyanjui for Michael Abundo, the match ultimately ended in a draw.
After this round, Bandari stands in fifth place with 7 points, trailing leaders Posta Rangers by three points. Gor Mahia, Kariobangi Sharks, and Tusker occupy the second, third, and fourth positions with eight, eight, and seven points, respectively.
KCB holds the 12th position with four points, having won one match, drawn one, and lost one, but they have a game in hand.
