AFC Leopards close gap on leaders Tusker, Bandari held in Mombasa

AFC Leopards' Eugene Mukangula dribbles past Peter Gin of Nzoia FC during an FKF Premier league match at Ruaraka grounds. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]

Caleb Olilo netted in the first half to inspire AFC Leopards to an important 1-0 victory over Nzoia Sugar FC in a tight Football Kenya Federation Premier League match played at Ruaraka grounds which hosted a double header on Saturday.

In Mombasa, two penalties were converted as Bandari FC rallied from a goal down to salvage a point after a 1-1 draw against Bidco United at Mbaraki Grounds.

Former Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru had given Bidco a narrow 1-0 lead from the spot in the 68th minute before William Waridi levelled the score in the 74th minute also through the penalty spot.

The draw leaves Bandari fifth with 27 points as Bidco went joint eighth in the log with defending champions Gor Mahia on 19 points.

At Ruaraka, Olilo’s goal, his first in the premier league, propelled AFC Leopards to second in the standings with 32 points, two points behind log leaders Tusker who were held to a barren draw by KCB.

Ingwe leapfrogged Kariobangi Sharks who drop to third with 31 points despite their 1-0 victory over KK Homeboyz on Friday.

Referee Davis Omueno shows a red card to Curtis Wekesa of KCB FC during an FKF Premier League match at Ruaraka grounds. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]

Tusker failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage after the bankers were reduced to 10-men in the 67th minute with Curtis Wekesa shown his marching orders after picking his second yellow card in the duel.

The draw left the 11-time winners top at the summit of the 17-team league on 34 points, while KCB dropped to fourth on 30 points but with a match in hand.

AFC Leopards will go top of the FKF Premier League standings if they win their next match.

Saturday FKF Premier League Results

AFC Leopards 1-0 Nzoia Sugar-Ruaraka Grounds, Nairobi

Tusker 0-0 KCB-Ruaraka Grounds, Nairobi

Bandari 1-1 Bidco United-Mbaraki Grounds, Mombasa

Western Stima 1-1 Posta Rangers-Moi Stadium, Kisumu

Bandari defender Benard Odhiambo [left] and stephen Waruru of Bidco United in action on Saturday at Mbaraki sports club in Mombasa on 15th May 2021. [Omondi Onyango, The Standard]