The 2019 FKF Cup champions Bandari FC have bowed out of this year’s competition following a shock 2-1 defeat to minnows Bungoma Stars at Sudi Stadium on Sunday.
Derrick Tekkwo opened his account with a splendid effort in the 24th minute to hand the valiant FKF Division One side a slim advantage heading into the breather.
However, Bandari emerged from the tunnels more lethal and it took only 10 minutes after the restart for the Mombasa-based dockers to restore parity through Derrick Nsimbambi.
Buoyed by their first-half performance and roared on by a passionate home crowd, Bungoma made incessant inroads into their opponent’s territory in search of a goal.
Meshack Makoha proved the toast of the day, latching onto a sumptuous pass on the edge of the box to slam the back of the net with a rasping effort in the 64th minute.
Makoha lavished praise on his teammates for stunning their fancied top-flight opponents.
“I know the outcome has shocked a lot of people because pre-match statistics had favoured Bandari. I’m overwhelmed by the kind of fighting spirit we displayed in this match,” Makoha remarked.
“This is a brilliant start to our title-hunting campaign and I believe we have what it takes to go all the way to the finals. We shall put our best foot forward in all our subsequent encounters.”
As Makoha accentuated their fortunes, Bandari head coach John Baraza lashed out at his charges for underrating their opponents, saying they allowed their top-flight status to get into their heads.
“It’s a match we could have easily won but I somehow feel we came to the tie assuming we were too big for the stage. That cost us dearly and, hopefully, we have gleaned some lessons albeit too late,” Baraza stated.
“We were eager to secure a continental ticket through this tournament but, regrettably, we have let it slip through our fingers. We live to fight another day. Our focus shifts back to the Kenyan Premier League.”
In matches played on Saturday, Kenya Police beat Vegpro FC 2-0 at the Longonot Horticulture grounds to advance.
Posta Rangers beat Wisdom Soccer Academy 2-0 at Ndura Sports Complex.
