Mozzart Bet Cup: Fairy tale run continues for Bungoma Stars as Karani powers them to last 16

For the second time in this year’s Mozzart Bet Cup, FKF Division Two side Bungoma Stars have gone against the odds and flipped any notions deeming them minnows.

Carrying the tag of beating Bandari in last month’s preliminary rounds in this competition, the Western Zone A side on Saturday afternoon at Police Sacco Grounds did as obliged to reaffirm their now lofty status, as they once again ousted an opponent in the top-tier, this time Talanta bearing the brunt of Meshack Karani.

The experienced striker, albeit on a soaky ground, was involved in the build-up that ultimately led to his goal six minutes into halftime, as he cut into the 18-yard box, had a quick exchange with Derrick Tekkwo, before directing his left footed shot past a lunging Isaiah Wakasala.

Having being the two men that scored in Bungoma’s 2-1 win in the aforementioned tie over Bandari, this looked like a throwback, and the result at the end was 1-0 to their favour, a win that gave out the best impression of their coach’s statement pre-match when he said: “We play to win.”

Bungoma Stars knock Premier League heavyweights Bandari out of Mozzart Bet Cup

Talanta, who had their chances to come back into the tie - via Alfred Emoni who forced visiting keeper Geoffrey Nyongesa to a reflex save after 61 minutes and Lucas Weitere smashing the crossbar in the 67th minute - could only watch on as their opponents celebrated at full-time, their push to the last 16 halted.

Ken Kenyatta later admitted post-game that his players “undermined their opponents” who coach Sylvanus Oyema laughed at their new nickname - “The Giant Killers.”

With their win, Bungoma Stars will now face the winner of the tie between Sofapaka and Silibwet, their motive all but made much clearer.