NAIROBI, Kenya, March 7 – Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United played to a dour 0-0 draw in a midweek FKF Premier League match at Kasarani Annex on Tuesday afternoon.
Both sides were wasteful in front of goal with City Stars’ Andrew Kisilu guilty of forgetting his scoring boots in the 34th minute when he had Bidco goalkeeper Sydney Oduor at his mercy but instead shot wide.
Former Kangemi All Stars utility player Kelvin Etemesi could have gotten his goal for the Kawangware-based side but saw his tame effort comfortably collected by Oduor after some impressive donkey work by veteran striker Ezekiel Odera.
Kisilu was once again holding his head in frustration after failing to make the most of a delightful pass from Samuel Kapen, instead shooting straight at Bidco custodian Oduor who was only too happy to make another comfortable save.
Simba wa Nairobi coach Nicholas Muyoti soon brought on Herit Mungai and Anthony Kimani for Kisilu and Odera whereas dangermen Erick Gichimu and David Orem were called upon by Bidco coach Anthony ‘Vieira’ Akhulia to spice up the attack.
More changes were to come from Bidco as Said Tsuma replaced Alex ‘Keke’ Sunga in the dying stages of the match.
The former AFC Leopards man almost repaid his coach’s faith in the dying embers of the game with a rocket of a shot that Jacob Osano in City Stars’ goal had to be alert to save.
City Stars also had chances in the second half to take maximum points, with new signing Abdallah Shittu’s header saved by Oduor whereas substitute Mohammad Omar shot wide.
Bidco are placed 11th on the log with 23 points as City Stars continue flirting with relegation in 16th place with 13 points, nine better than bottom-placed Vihiga Bullets.
Seven more midweek matches are set for tomorrow (Wednesday) across the country, including a top-of-the-table clash between leaders Gor Mahia and second-placed Nzoia Sugar at the Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.
AFC Leopards host Wazito FC at Nyayo Stadium as Kenya Police and Kariobangi Sharks battle at Moi Stadium Kasarani.
Military side Ulinzi Stars welcome Western Kenya-based Kakamega Homeboyz at the Lang’ata Sports Complex whereas ‘Batoto Ba Mungu‘ Sofapaka FC face a resurgent Mathare United at Moi Stadium Kasarani.
Relegation favourites Vihiga Bullets will be praying for an upturn in fortunes when they welcome Posta Rangers at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.
