NAIROBI, Kenya, June 25 – Kariobangi Sharks lost for the fifth consecutive time, going down 4-1 to Bandari at the Mbaraki Complex in Mombasa on Friday as their BetKing Premier League title hopes now look all but sunk.
Sharks were erstwhile title contenders before the season resumed, but their recent downward trajectory has left them gasping for breath at seventh as they are on 31 points, 13 points behind leaders Tusker FC.
For Bandari, it was an important victory that hoisted them to sixth spot in the standings, as they look to push in for a top five finish this season.
The dockers were 2-0 upfront by halftime with Umaru Kasumba’s diving header and William Wadri’s penalty putting them firmly in the driving seat.
In the second half, Sharks came back with an aim at getting their feet back on top of the Bandari waters and they had a great route back when the converted a penalty through Eric Kapaito a few minutes into the second half.
But all hopes were dashed when Benjamin Mosha scored twice, cementing the victory for Bandari and sinking Sharks further away from a comeback.
Sofapaka’s Lawrence Juma goes down as he vies for the ball with Ulinzi Stars’ George Omondi during their BetKing Premier League match at the Utalii Complex on June 25, 2021. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
Meanwhile in Nairobi, Ulinzi Stars picked a point on the road following a barren draw against Sofapaka at the Utalii Complex. The soldiers have now gone five matches without defeat and scale up to eighth in the standings.
Sofapaka though should have collected maximum points from the duel, going by the number of chances they had. In the 12th minute, Abrose Sifuna swept in a low cross into the box, but Burundian Amisi Bizimana could not give the ball a tiny little touch to direct it on goal.
Lawrence Juma was threatening as well especially on set pieces. He had one delivery headed inches wide by Nixon Omondi while a few minutes later, he had another effort drive straight into James Saruni’s arms.
The former Gor Mahia man had another chance when he drove into the box from the left but his final shot went inches wide off a tight angle. On the other end, Ulinzi were denied by the upright after Masita Masuta left his marker for dead before slamming the ball against the woodwork.
It was an even tighter contest in the second half. The best chance came through eight minutes to time and it was Sofapaka who should have gone ahead when Amissi was sent through on goal, but Ulinzi keeper Saruni produced a brilliant block to deny the Burundian.
