NSL: Shabana hold leaders Fortune Sacco in Awendo

Shabana FC underlined their top-flight promotion ambitions with a stellar display as they forced the National Super League (NSL) leaders Fortune Sacco to a 1-1 draw at the Awendo Green Stadium on Sunday.

Riding on a wave of impressive results under new coach Sammy Okoth, Shabana followed a dominant first half with the opening goal of the game two minutes after the break through Vincent Nyabuto.

But the visitors restored parity almost immediately through Henry Kinyua who slotted home a neat finish in the 51st minute.

The hosts staged a promising start with Fortune Sacco goalkeeper Prince Maina forced to make a string of early saves including one to deny Brian Magare's stinging effort from a free-kick just outside the area.

Another nice build up down the right flank in the fifteenth minute freed Justine Omwando "Maasai" who fired inches wide.

Omwando and Nyabuto were a constant menace for the Fortune Sacco rearguard in the first half but a series heroic saves from Maina proved critical and both teams went into the break sill deadlocked.

The two quick fire goals were the only highlights of the second half as the hosts held out for a point.

While terming the result as a fair outcome after a tightly contested affair, Shabana head coach Sammy Okoth said they will aim to extend their impressive to stand a chance at promotion come end of the season.

"I made to changes to my team today and am happy we came out with a positive result.

"Sacco are a good side and it's no fluke they are number one in our division. the fact that we have played a draw against them indicates that we can go toe to toe toe against them."

His opposite number Julius Kariuki lamented the shared spoils as a hindrance to their title ambitions.

"We welcome any positive results but we would have preferred a win.

"Our opponents played a good game but I believe we will win our next game."

Shabana with face form coach Vincent Nyaberi's resurgent Murang'a SEALS while Fortune Sacco will taken on rookies Naivas FC.