• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 1 hr ago

Bandari seek breakthrough as Gor Mahia put perfect start on the line

The pressure is building on Bandari FC to turn draws into victories as they prepare to face an in-form Gor Mahia side in a Sportpesa League tie at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

Bandari head into the showdown still searching for their first win of the campaign, while the defending champions will be keen to preserve their 100 per cent record and strengthen their position at the summit.

The coastal side has taken two points from its opening matches after drawing 0-0 with AFC Leopards and 1-1 with 3K FC. Against Gor Mahia, however, Bandari face a side that has already demonstrated its ability to grind out results.

K’Ogalo have won their opening two fixtures against Murang’a Seal and APS Bomet to collect six points and establish an early lead in the standings.

Despite the contrasting starts, Bandari can draw encouragement from last season’s meetings, in which neither side managed to claim victory. The first leg ended goalless before the return fixture produced a 1-1 draw.

Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor, however, believes the depth and competitive spirit within his squad will be crucial as the champions seek another three points.

“The training throughout the week has been great. Players have shown motivation and team spirit, with those who have not been starting showing us that they are ready,” Akonnor said.

 “That is what we need because sometimes you can win matches from the bench, as we did against APS Bomet.”

Harambee Stars defender Daniel Sakari echoed the coach’s sentiments, saying competition for places had kept the players focused ahead of the encounter.

Gor Mahia have also received a boost with captain Sylvester Owino returning to full fitness, while Felix Oluoch is nearing a comeback.

The match, initially scheduled for a 7pm kick-off, has been moved to 4:15pm.

Elsewhere, second-placed Mara Sugar will seek to put pressure on the leaders when they face Ulinzi Stars at St. Sebastian Park in Murang’a, with kick-off set for 3pm.

Mara have four points from their opening two matches and could temporarily move to the top with a victory, depending on their goal difference and the outcome of Gor Mahia’s later fixture.

Ulinzi, meanwhile, have managed just one point and will be desperate to improve their position after a difficult start. The military side will host the match in Murang’a because their usual home ground, Ulinzi Sports Complex, is undergoing renovations.

At Awendo Green Stadium, newly promoted Migori Youth will entertain Mathare United in a 2 pm kick-off, with both teams seeking a breakthrough.

Migori opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Police FC, while Mathare have collected one point from their opening two matches and are yet to score.

The Slum Boys will be hoping to end their scoring drought, but Migori will look to use home advantage to secure their first top-flight victory.

With Bandari chasing their first win and Gor Mahia determined to maintain their early dominance, Saturday’s main contest presents a test of consistency for the champions and an opportunity for the coastal side to change the direction of its season.