NSL: Shabana keen to bounce back after Gusii derby setback

Shabana’s lethargic display upfront was epitomized by a 32nd penalty miss by in-form Peter Ogechi, who is also chasing the golden boot after netting 13 goals so far in the 2022–23 season.

In a back-and-forth encounter witnessed by a fully-packed Gusii stadium, both sides were wasteful in front of the goal despite creating several scoring opportunities, and nothing could separate them at the final whistle.

Shabana entered the match under pressure from fellow promotion hopefuls Murang’a Seal who had usurped them to top stop and a 2-1 midweek win over sophomores Mara Sugar, and a win could have established a two-point lead at the apex of the log, albeit with a game in hand.

However, following Sunday’s result, Shabana remains second-placed on 61 points courtesy of Murang’a Seal’s superior goal difference.

Despite missing out on an opportunity to reclaim the top spot, Shabana tactician Sammy Okoth remains upbeat about their chances of clinching the title this season.

“I was not impressed by how we played today because we were not sharp up front, which cost us three points.

“We still hold on to our dream of securing promotion as champions meaning we will have to go all out for maximum points in the remaining five matches.”

His Gusii FC counterpart Kassim Junior Otieno applauded his charges for turning a corner from their recent poor run that saw their promotion ambitions fizzle out.

“Our season objective is to secure the remaining NSL/KPL promotion playoff, so I am glad that we have secured a morale-boosting draw against a team that is having a good season.

“We will try our best to stand a chance at finishing number three.”

Shabana will look to go top when they host third-placed Migori Youth on Sunday should Murang’a Seal fail to overcome Coastal Heroes.

-Additional reporting by Hillary Kennedy