Bandari FC booked their place in the final of the ODM@20 Football Tournament after a tense and tactical semi-final clash against AFC Leopards ended 0–0 in regulation time, before the Dockers triumphed 4–3 in a post-match penalty shootout at the Mbaraki Sports Grounds.
With the SportPesa Premier League on pause due to the FIFA international window, the opening match of the ODM@20 tournament drew strong interest as two top-tier sides locked horns in coastal heat. Bandari, playing on home turf, faced a spirited AFC Leopards side eager to stamp authority in the celebratory competition.
The first half was cagey, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. In the 3rd minute, Bandari’s Balecho Erick tested Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo with a low free kick, but it was an easy save for the former Bandari shot-stopper, now donning the Ingwe jersey. Just minutes later, a defensive lapse from the Bandari backline gifted Kelly Madada a sight at goal, but Elvis Opiyo,ironically, a long-serving ex-Leopards custodian reacted sharply to deny his former teammate.
The 24th minute produced a thrilling sequence of end-to-end play. Bandari squandered a golden one-on-one chance due to a miscommunication between William Wadri and Juma Izzadin, and Leopards quickly countered, but again Opiyo came to Bandari’s rescue with a fine stop.
Both sides entered the break goalless, with few shots on target in a half defined by strong midfield battles, cautious buildup, and tactical discipline.
The second half saw increased urgency. AFC Leopards made their first change at the hour mark, introducing Bebeto for Omune, while Bandari opted for a triple substitution,bringing in Ojunga, Emoni, and Abdallah Msagha to inject energy into the attack.Still, neither side could break the deadlock. AFC made a double switch in the 78th minute, bringing on Collins Kinyanjui and Munyendo, replacing Brian Wanyama and Tyson Otieno. Kinyanjui immediately stepped up to take a free kick, but it was blocked and turned out for a corner.
With no breakthrough after 90 minutes, the match was settled from the spot. It was Bandari who held their nerve in the shootout. Leopards’ Kelly Madada failed to convert his attempt, and Kinyanjui struck the crossbar, handing the advantage to the hosts.Bandari eventually sealed the win 4–3 on penalties to book their spot in Friday’s final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Gor Mahia and Shabana FC.
