Bandari FC ended a five-match winless run with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mathare United in a Kenyan Premier League encounter played at Mbaraki Sports Ground on Sunday, easing pressure after a difficult spell.
The Dockers sealed the much-needed win through a first-half penalty converted by Amza Ndayou in the 25th minute. Ndayou calmly sent Mathare United goalkeeper Kevin Ouru the wrong way after being fouled inside the area, a goal that proved decisive as Bandari defended resolutely to protect their slender lead until the final whistle.
Bandari head coach Razak Siwa described the victory as timely and a major confidence boost for his players following a challenging run of results.
“The game has been nice, considering we’ve not won in a long time, so the boys fought for that result. Mathare United is not an easy team, but we thank God for the win. Going forward, it’s going to be easy for the boys they needed a jumpstart for winning and that’s exactly what they’ve gotten. Now they’re mentally set for more wins,” said Siwa.
Mathare United head coach John Kamau expressed frustration at his side’s inability to convert chances, noting that missed opportunities ultimately cost them the match.
“It’s disappointing because we’ve been in control of the entire game, even despite conceding a penalty in the first half. Today we created more than five scoring chances, but we didn’t convert them, and it has really cost us,” Kamau said.
Elsewhere, Gor Mahia suffered a setback in their title push after falling 2–1 to Nairobi City Stars in a tense clash at Nyayo National Stadium. City Stars struck early to catch the defending champions off guard, forcing K’Ogalo into chase mode. Gor Mahia briefly restored parity with a quick equaliser, but City Stars regained the lead from the penalty spot after capitalising on defensive lapses.
The match was marked by rising tensions, with heated exchanges on the pitch and scuffles witnessed among sections of supporters in the stands, prompting stewards and security personnel to intervene. Despite sustained second-half pressure, Gor Mahia were unable to find an equaliser as City Stars held firm to claim a morale-boosting victory.
In the league standings, Mathare United remain 10th while Bandari move up to 12th. Both sides will turn their attention to their next fixtures on January 10, with Bandari set to face Kakamega Homeboyz and Mathare United taking on Murang’a Seals.
As the 2025/26 Kenyan Premier League season gathers pace, Tusker FC sit top of the standings, level on points with other front-running sides but ahead on goal difference in an increasingly tight title race. Gor Mahia, Kakamega Homeboyz and Kenya Police FC remain close behind, while several teams lower down the table continue to battle to pull clear of the relegation zone as the competition intensifies heading toward the mid-season break.
