Former champs continue league recovery with laboured win over Otenga
Sofapaka needed a spirited second half display to edge out battling Kisumu All Stars 2-1 in a mouth watering Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at a soaked Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos yesterday.
Elly Asieche gave Sofapaka the lead in the eighth minute from the penalty spot after an infringement inside the box before veteran striker Wesley Kemboi drew All Stars who are commonly known as Otenga level with a fine cracker in the 38th minute.
Kepha Aswani sealed the winner for Sofapaka to ensure maximum points with a powerful drive in the 70th minute.
Following the win, Sofapaka climbed from the seventh spot to sixth position in the standings, dislodging Ulinzi Stars at least for 24 hours before today’s fixtures.
Meanwhile, although Bandari are placed 12th the log they are of equal context of strength with third placed Kakamega Homeboyz which makes the midweek match between the two at Bukhungu Stadium today, all too interesting.
The only difference is that while Bandari have been going through a lean spell in the top-tier league since being ejected from CAF Cup, Homeboyz have been on a roll and can dare dream of challenging Tusker and Gor Mahia, who are above them on the table, for the title.
Last week, Bandari seemed to have exorcised the ghosts of a lackadaisical display when they trounced Wazito 4-1 at Mbaraki Sports ground and whether this was a sign of good things to come for the dockers remains to be seen.
Bandari coach Bernard Mwalala said it would be foolhardy of them to be carried away by the win and noted that they need more favourable results to haul themselves up from an odd position in the league.
“Obviously, the win against Wazito was a boost for us but it should not make my players relax and especially given that we are in unfamiliar position.
I expect a tough match against Homeboyz and has called upon each player I shall field to rise to the occasion,” said Mwalala.
Bandari will miss national team rookie Hassan Abdallah, who is away with Harambee Stars in the regional championships in Uganda while Homeboyz will make do without another international Moses Mudavadi although both teams have reliable players to have the job done.
Elsewhere, Tusker may leapfrog Gor Mahia at the top of the league if they beat Wazito in Machakos today.
Tusker, joyous after beating Kariobangi Sharks last week, will be mainly relying on on-song Luke Namanda and Jackson Macharia for goals since their top hit-man Timothy Otieno is doing duty for Harambee Stars in Uganda.
In Muhoroni, Chemelil Sugar have a date with Ulinzi Stars as Western Stima and Zoo Kericho square it out at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.
Tomorrow, AFC Leopards have their work cut out against vastly improved Kenya Commercial bank (KCB) at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
