Bandari end five-match winless run with victory over Tusker

Striker Derrick Nsibambi scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute to hand the Dockers their first victory after five consecutive matches without a win.

Bandari started the match brightly, with Darius Msagha threatening from a corner in the ninth minute. His delivery was initially cleared by the Tusker defence, before defender Brian Odera's follow-up effort narrowly missed the target.

Msagha was again involved in the 23rd minute, but his powerful free-kick from about 20 yards sailed inches over the crossbar.

Nsibambi came close to breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute after connecting with another Msagha free-kick, but his header also went narrowly over the bar as the two sides headed into the break goalless.

Bandari coach Charles Okere introduced Alex Kipruto and Amza Ndayou at the start of the second half, replacing Msagha and Collins Mwalati in a bid to strengthen the Dockers' attack.

Tusker had an opportunity to take the lead five minutes after the restart, but Chrispine Erambo's effort from inside the 18-yard box missed the target.

The hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Nsibambi capitalised on a well-worked move, finishing from close range after being set up by substitute Ndayou to beat Tusker goalkeeper Brian Bwire.

Nsibambi almost doubled Bandari's advantage a minute later, but his close-range effort was saved by Bwire.

Tusker's task became even more difficult in the 70th minute when Bwire was shown a red card for bringing down Nsibambi just outside the penalty area. However, Thomas Wainaina failed to capitalise on the resulting free-kick.

The visitors continued searching for an equaliser, with striker Stephen Omondi coming close in the 83rd minute, but his header was brilliantly saved by Bandari goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka.

Alex Kipruto had another opportunity to extend Bandari's lead in the 90th minute, but his close-range effort was saved by the Tusker goalkeeper.

The Dockers held on through the closing minutes to secure a much-needed victory and end their frustrating run without a win.

Speaking after the match, Bandari head coach Charles Okere expressed relief at the result, praising his players, technical bench, management and supporters for their contribution.

"It was a great relief for us to get that win. We had gone five matches without a win, and I congratulate our players, technical bench, management and fans for pushing hard for this victory," said Okere