Joe Waithira scored a second half winner as Bandari FC edged Nzoia Sugar 1-0 during their FKF Premier League match at the Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa on Sunday.

Defeat left the latest puncture on Nzoia’s fading title ambitions as the team has now fallen seven behind the pace having topped the standings for much of the opening rounds.

Gor Mahia FC enjoy a five-point cushion at the summit on 41 points with KCB sitting second. Three teams – Kenya Police, Nzoia and Tusker – are level on 34 points in third fourth and fifth respectively.

Victory moved Bandari into eighth on the standings.

At the Bukhung Stadium in Kakamega, Kenya Police FC continued their impressive run by edging Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 after an entertaining contest.

At Mbaraki, Bandari were first to make an attempt on goal through William Wadri who saw his connection on striker Umar Kasumba’s cross with only goalkeeper Humprey Katasi to beat.

Nzoia finally settled after 15 minutes started their trademark of short quick passes dictating the play.

In 34th minute, Nzoia winger Joseph Mwangi unleashed a powerful 30 yard shot which was comfortably saved by Bandari captain and goalkeeper Michael Wanyika.

Five minutes later Nzoia hitman Hassan Beia went past 3 Bandari players before taking a shot which deflected wide off Rodgers Aloro for a corner

At the end of first half, the home team came back to life calling keeper Humprey Katasi to make double save from William Wadri shot and Umar Kasumba header.

Both teams went to halftime goalless despite the appealing display to hundreds of supporters at Mbaraki Stadium.

At start of second half Bandari introduced their new man Joseph Waithira to add more pressure to Nzoia defence but the away team maintained their mode of play denying them any spaces to capitalize

In 68th minute, Waithira gave the home team the long waited goal after connecting Douglas Mokaya power cross after a nice play from Hassan Abdallah.

Abuya Rescues Police 

Police needed an 88th minute free-kick that was expertly dispatched by Duke Abuya as the visitors took all three points to move third.

Homeboyz will rue their 43rd minute penalty miss by Michael Karamor after veteran winger Kevin Amwayi had been fouled in the box.

Police FC will travel to Bungoma County on Wednesday to play again Nzoia Sugar FC at Sudi Stadium.