The hosts created yet another promising chance in the 13th minute but Nicholas Meja’s attempt hit the woodwork and the ball went out as Western Stima got a minute to re-strategise against a determined opponent.
Kenga again was in the middle of a well-engineered move in the 17th minute when he manoeuvred along the right-wing and outfoxed Baron Oketch before he laid the ball on William Wadri’s path. The Ugandan could not get an opener though as he shot wide despite having no opponent close.
Bandari, who are yet to confirm a new head coach – although they are in talks with Casa Mbungo – since Ken Odhiambo left for Sofapaka, wasted another chance in the 20th minute. Danson Chetambe dribbled past a number of Western Stima opponents, squared the ball for Mohamed Siraj and the midfielder put a low cross in to Darius Msagha but the forward failed to tap home from close range.
Ulinzi Stars’ first clear chance came in the 32nd minute, but Masita Masuta sent his effort wide to deny the composed Soldiers an opener.
Stars’ head coach Benjamin Nyangweso made a first change in the 55th minute when he withdrew Elvis Nandwa for Oscar Wamalwa. Five minutes later, the Nakuru outfit failed to break the deadlock again as Brian Birgen’s ferocious strike was stopped by Brian Bwire in the Sharks’ goal.
There were two late changes by Nyangweso; as Ibrahim Shambi replaced Daniel Waweru while Masita s place was filled by Clinton Omondi. However, they did not bring about much impact, as the two sides shared the spoils from the stalemate.
Odhiambo revealed the reason that made him join the club and what he would like to achieve with Batoto ba Mungu.
“I am very delighted to join Sofapaka club,” he added. “This a big club and the ambitions are so clear that when the president [Elly Kalekwa] talked to me I felt it was a good opportunity to join the club and help achieve their targets.
“The club has a good set of players who are very talented, skilful and of good quality. I believe they are capable of achieving a lot. When the president reached out to me, his desires were so clear for the club and that is winning the title.
The Green Army had to find a stand-in coach and they fell back on Posta Rangers Sammy Omollo who ensured they saw off APR and progressed to the first round of the competition.
Omollo, who was seen as the frontline candidate to take over the position in a permanent position, has since returned to Posta Rangers.
Matola, who also acts as Simba B team coach, has now reportedly entered into the fray. He is an experienced coach having joined
Wekundu wa Msimbazi from Polisi Tanzania early this year and was part of history that saw the Mainland giants win a treble that also included a league title for the third time in a row.