Gusii celebrates as Shabana clinch NSL crown to cap KPL return

Shabana FC clinched the National Super League (NSL) title with a routine 2-0 win over Kisumu All Stars fueled by some extra-ordinary home support on the final day of the season.

The Gusii Stadium was filled to capacity hours before kick-off for the deciding contest with Shabana needing a win to capture the NSL crown.

They entered the day with 70 points, two ahead of Muranga Seal with the pair having already sealed promotion to the FKF Premier League a fortnight ago.

And Shabana got the job done in stylish manner thanks to Nehemiah Onchiri’s second half brace.

Muranga Seal were held in a 2-2 draw by Shabana’s town rivals Gusii FC to end the season in 69 points, four behind the eventual champions who left nothing to chance on the day.

The NSL title capped a superb season for Shabana who return to top-flight football next season for the first time in 17 years and will arrive as second-tier champions.

In Mombasa, SS Assad defeated Coastal Heroes 2-1 in a hotly contested NSL Coast derby played at the Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.

Abdallah Mdeka and Benjamin Nyamawi scored in each half to give SS Assad 3 points while Lucky Kaingu scored for Coastal Heroes.

SS Assad took only 3 minutes to get their opener through Abdallah Mdeka who capitalized from Coastal Heroes defense lapse.

It took the homeside 20 minutes to settle into the game, striker Ramadhan Salim and Abdulraman Abdallah lacking cooperation upfront misfiring the few chances they created.

In the half-hour mark, Benjamin Nyamawi dangerous cross went on begging for a finisher.

A minute to end of first half, Heroes midfielder Jacob Muchiri powerful 20 yard shot went inches over the top post.

Bandari fc new signing Benjamin Nyamawi continued to terrorize Coastal Heroes defenders, on top of first half delivering a strong cross but Abdallah Mdeka failed to score from an empty net.

SS Assad headed to halftime leading with one goal.

In 62nd minute, NSL top scorer Benjamin Nyamawi added claimed a 20th goal for the season after collecting a loose ball behind Coastal Heroes defense and thumping a powerful shot past Said Dhadho.

Wilberforce Lugogo and Bockins Adeya’s midfield combination made SS Assad to settle fully into the match making it hard for a comeback to the homeside Coastal Heroes, resulting to frustrations to players.

Five minutes to top of the match, Lucky Kaingu header gave Coastal Heroes a consolation after connecting Ibrahim Athman cross.

Both teams finished the league with 36 points.