Kenya: Rangers Top in Goal-Shy Premiership Weekend

Odindo Ayieko

20 June 2011

Nairobi — What was expected to be a thrilling Coast derby between Bandari and Congo United failed to live up to its billing as Rangers maintained their lead in the Kenyan Premier League in a weekend characterised by barren draws.

Only Gor Mahia walked home with three points by beating Chemelil by a solitary goal at the Afraha Stadium on Sunday with a goal from full-back Collins Omondi.

Tusker and Kenya Commercial Bank, Ulinzi and Karuturi Sports, Bandari and Congo United and Rangers and Western Stima all played to barren draws.

But Rangers remained at the top of the league with 29 points, two ahead of Tusker and Ulinzi who are joint second, KCB remained fourth while Gor Mahia are fifth.

Rangers, starting the weekend at the top of the table, looked threatened but Ulinzi and Tusker’s failure to win their games ensured there was no change at the top of the standings.

Pre-match hype

It was in Mombasa that weekend action was focused with the Coast derby, but a dour barren draw left many feeling cheated.

The pre-match hype was high, coach Rishadu Shedu of Bandari and Gilbert Selebwa of Congo United had chided each other in the build up but on the day of the match on Sunday at Mbaraki, it was a stale performance.

“We created so many chances, even getting a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the boys simply could not convert. They really wanted to win this match”, said Bandari coach Rishadi Shedu.

Selebwa said the draw was two points lost and not one point won. “We have lost points. This is a game we should have won,” said Selebwa.

Champions Ulinzi, enjoying a good run after a faulty start to the season, had a chance to move to the top of the table, but they could not find a way past Karuturi.

Coach Benjamin Nyangweso was impressed by the workmanship of the Karuturi defence.

“They set a wall in front of their goal. I can say from the way they played, they deserved a point, but we needed to win. I’m content with the draw, but I am not too happy,” said Nyangweso.

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