BARDING 2 -0 FRIENDS SCHOOL BUKEMBE
Lake Region Champions Barding of Siaya County began the Airtel sponsored National Secondary Ball games currently taking place in Kisumu with a 2-0 victory over hard fighting Friends School Bukembe in the opening Group A match played at the Moi Stadium at the lake side City of kisumu.
The hosts scored early in the second half through man of the match left footed Ziko Booker after a through pass from impressive Albert Ojolo who the fans nicknamed Olunga owing to his physical resemblance of former Gor Mahia ,Harambee Stars and Djurgadens striker Michael Olunga.
After the goal,Barding continued to dictate proceedings with raid after the other.
the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Barding and on resumption,Bukembe started strongly but their poor finishing cost them,they however had a goal dissallowed for offside and had a golden opportunity thwarted by Barding keeper John Otieno who was impressive in the afternoon.
A scene of uncertainty and confusion was witnessed after centre referee allowed a goal scored from an obvious offside position even with the second assistant referee raising the flag,after consultation the goal was disallowed and play continued with a section of fans protesting.
With Bukembe searching for an equalizer,Barding’s Odhiambo Victor broke the offisde trap and scored Bardings second goal making the scoreline beyond reach of the Nzoia represenatives.
The other match between Kathungi of Highlands against Cheptenye of Mau was 1-0 at the breather in favour of the former finalists Kathungi.
At the Kisumu Boys grounds where Group B matches are taking place Passenga of Aberdare are locking horns with Laiser Hill of Metropolitan in a repeat of last years final while Northern rep are set to play Mombasa side Green Palms