Murang'a SEAL falters as Shabana close in on NSL title

Murang'a SEAL falters as Shabana close in on NSL title

Shabana attacking midfielder Isaac Otieno Otile fends off a Gusii FC defender in a Gusii derby played on 11th June 2023 at Gusii stadium. (Photo COURTESY)

 

National Super League (NSL) giants Shabana inched closer to clinching the title after emphatically dispatching ninth-placed Mully Children’s Family (MCF) 3-1 at Gusii Stadium on Wednesday, a feat that opened a five-point gap between them and bitter rivals Murang’a SEAL who settled for a 1-1 draw against Kibera Black Stars. 

Buoyed by a fully packed Gusii Stadium, Shabana drew first blood through Isaac Otieno’s neat strike in the 10th minute before MCF restored parity in the 41st minute through John Ochieng’ to force a 1-1 score line into the break.

The hosts, Shabana, came back revitalized after the break as they searched for another goal.

Their efforts were rewarded through Mustafa Oduor’s converted spot-kick in the 71st minute before super sub Nehemiah Onchiri’s fierce string from inside the area made it 3-1 before stoppage time.

The latest Glamour Boys conquest propelled them to 70 points, four ahead of second-placed Murang’a SEAL.

Despite a slippery pitch, Shabana tactician Sammy Okoth praised his charges for their impressive display.

“We played well despite the challenging playing surface. We had to maintain our poise after our game was postponed yesterday, and I am glad we have won impressively in front of our fans.”

He, however, urged his players to swiftly turn their focus to Sunday’s potential title decider against Murang’a SEAL at St. Sebastian Park in Murang’a.

“This is a delicate stage, and all we can do is focus ahead of a tough match against Murang’a.”

His MCF counterpart, David Maina, rued a slippery playing surface, making it hard for them to execute their game plan.

“Shabana are a good side, and they are on top of the log because of their efforts.

“The slipper playing surface rattled our game plan, but I am proud of our perseverance.

The Camp Toyoyo-based side will hope for a turnaround in their fortunes when they face Gusii on Sunday.

Results

Shabana 3-1 MCF 

Kibera Black Stars 1-1 Murang'a SEAL

Coastal Heroes 2-1 Kajiado

Mara Sugar 1-0 Vihiga United 

Gusii FC 1-0 Darajani Gogo

Mwatate 2-0 Mombasa Elite 

Naivas 0-0 SS Assad 


-Additional reporting by Hillary Kennedy

Tags:

Shabana MCF NSL Murang'a SEAL Kibera Black Stars Kisumu All Stars

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