In a gripping encounter at the Panama Grounds on 4 May 2025, Kibarani United FC faced off against Keste FC in a league away match that ended in a 1-1 draw. The match kicked off at 2:00 pm, with both teams eager to secure vital points in their respective campaigns.
Kibarani United lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Cosmas Kipara took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Sammy Kapelo on the right, Bicky Bakari on the left, and the central defensive pairing of Masha and Yobra Obizo. Kante operated as the lone holding midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition play and linking defence to attack. Ahead of him, the midfield quartet featured Sele on the right, Joram Kimathi centrally, Bruno Hamisi on the left, and Odongo leading the line as the striker.
The substitutes for Kibarani included Mendy, Maish, Jonny Mageto, Seth, and Nyambane, who would be called upon as the match unfolded.
The match began with an early scare for Kibarani when Sammy Kapelo was flagged offside in the fourth minute due to a mistimed run, a decision that was deemed correct by the officials. However, it was Keste FC who struck first, taking the lead in the 16th minute. A defensive mistake from Kibarani allowed Keste to capitalise, with the goal scored from close range by an opponent using their right foot.
Kibarani responded positively, and just three minutes later, Joram Kimathi made a key pass with a clever flick that created a chance for the team. This moment of creativity bore fruit in the 20th minute when Bruno Hamisi equalised with a stunning volley, struck with his right foot, bringing the score to 1-1.
Cosmas Kipara was called into action shortly after, showcasing his skills with a confident catch in the 25th minute. He further demonstrated his importance to the team with a remarkable point-blank reaction save in the 38th minute, keeping the scores level as the first half drew to a close.
As the second half commenced, Kibarani was forced into an early substitution in the 48th minute when Bicky Bakari had to leave the pitch due to injury, making way for Mendy. The match continued to ebb and flow, with Odongo making an attempt in the 65th minute, but his effort was saved by the Keste goalkeeper.
In the 70th minute, Kibarani made another tactical change, bringing on Maish for Sele. However, the match took a turn for the worse for Joram Kimathi, who received a yellow card for persistent infringements just moments later. Kibarani continued to press for a winner, with Masha attempting a shot in the 72nd minute that went wide, followed by Maish's effort in the 75th minute that sailed high.
The pressure mounted as Yobra Obizo and Bruno Hamisi both had attempts in the 76th and 78th minutes, respectively, but neither could find the target, leaving the score unchanged. In a bid to freshen up the attack, Kibarani made further substitutions in the 80th minute, introducing Jonny Mageto for Sammy Kapelo and Seth for Maish, who had succumbed to injury.
The final substitution came in the 82nd minute when Nyambane replaced Odongo, as Kibarani sought to find a late winner. Despite their efforts, the match ended in a stalemate, with both teams sharing the points.
Bruno Hamisi's performance, highlighted by his equalising goal, earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, as Kibarani United FC left the Panama Grounds with a hard-fought draw against Keste FC.
