Shabana Football Club drew 0-0 with the FKF Premier League defending champions, Gor Mahia FC in a Nyanza derby fixture played at Gusii Stadium Sunday.
The match, which kicked off at 2pm, attracted thousands of fans who thronged the stadium to support their teams.
Gor Mahia’s first chance came from a set piece in the 14th minute of the game, when Enoch Morrison’s shot was saved by Shabana’s goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng’.
Shabana’s Humphrey Obina also missed a chance to put the home team in front after his freekick from distance hit the woodwork in the 22nd minute of the match and the teams went into the break goalless.
Gor Mahia pushed for an opener at the start of the second half through Felix Oluoch, but his shot was blocked by Ochieng’.
Shabana’s Head Coach Peter Okidi, introduced key players, including striker Brian Michira, Ezekiah Omuri and rising star Austine Odongo, in the second half, but they failed to find the back of the net.
The teams had to share the spoils at full time after missing chances in the second half.
Speaking during a post-match interview, Okidi lauded his players for their creativity and dominance of the game, saying the draw was a fair result considering they had lost the last home game 3-1 against Nairobi United.
“As a team, we resolved not to lose any match at home and we are going to continue working on ways to ensure we score more goals,” he added.
Gor Mahia’s Head Coach Charles Akonnor acknowledged that Shabana’s home ground is a difficult place to win and it was important that they did not lose the match on Sunday.
“The players displayed a fighting spirit and really played well in the second half, and we are content with the result,” he said.
Shabana are currently fourth in the league standings with 24 points, with only six points separating them from the league leaders, AFC Leopards.
By Mercy Osongo
