Kisii-based side Shabana FC are back to winning ways after a narrow 1-0 win over Murang’a Seal at Gusii Stadium yesterday.
The only goal of the SportPesa derby was scored by Shabana’s defender Wycliffe Omondi in the 40th minute of the game leaving the Glamour Boys third in the league standings with 43 points.
The victory ended the home team’s poor run after losing their last three consecutive matches against AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia and Kariobangi Sharks.
Both teams had a slow start to the game but later settled well into the first half, with the away team hitting the side net after Victor Haki made a brilliant run past the Shabana defenders in the 16th minute of the game.
The home team responded minutes later when Brian Michira found the back of the net in the 20th minute, but the goal was ruled out for a foul by Austin Odongo on Joseph Omulama in the buildup.
Shabana missed another open chance in the 24th minute of the game after Omondi’s header went wide, but the defender later redeemed himself when he scored the opener on the stroke of halftime.
At the start of the second half, MSEAL’s Osborne Monday introduced substitutes to try and get an equaliser, but the players failed to get past Shabana’s defense.
Shabana’s interim coach Mark Ongwae expressed his satisfaction with the players for securing a much-needed win at home.
“Despite the playing surface not being favourable to our team, we prepared well for this game and our efforts have paid off,” said Ongwae who took charge following the departure of Peter Okidi.
On his part, Monday admitted that his side failed to utilise their chances but remained optimistic about their next fixture against AFC Leopards at home.
“I choose to remain positive despite the result and we are now going for three points against AFC at home in our next match,” he said.
Both coaches lauded their fans for the consistent support, saying it motivates the players to keep pushing for a win.
Murang’a Seal remains 6th on the log with 38 points following the result.
by Mercy Osongo
