MOMBASA, Kenya — In a keenly contested Kenya Premier League match on Saturday, Bandari FC suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nairobi City Stars at the KPA Mbaraki Sports Club. The match’s decisive moment came in the 34th minute when Vincent Owino broke through Bandari’s defenses to score the only goal, leading City Stars to victory.

According to Kenya News Agency, Owino’s goal was a significant blow to Bandari FC, with goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka unable to prevent the ball from finding the back of the net. This win has propelled City Stars into the second position in the league standings after 21 games, amassing a total of 37 points. Conversely, Bandari FC has dropped to fifth place, holding 34 points.

Nicholas Muyoti, the coach of City Stars, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, attributing the victory to a well-executed defensive strategy against Bandari, known for their offensive prowess. Muyoti praised his team’s ability to withstand pressure and secure the three points. He also remarked on the team’s achievement of their seasonal target, noting their current standing exceeded their initial expectations, though he tempered expectations regarding the pursuit of the league title.

On the other side, Bandari Coach John Baraza reflected on the missed opportunities that led to his team’s defeat. Despite the loss, Baraza commended his players for their effort and mentality, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football. He remains hopeful about Bandari’s prospects for the league title, emphasizing the team’s determination to overcome the point gap with league leaders Gor Mahia FC.

Looking ahead, Bandari FC is set to face Nzoia Sugar, who currently sits at the bottom of the league table, in an away match. Meanwhile, Nairobi City Stars are preparing for a challenging fixture against Gor Mahia in Nairobi. Both matches are scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 17, setting the stage for another exciting round of Kenya Premier League action.