Shabana, Silibwet NSL clash ends in barren stalemate

National Super League (NSL) side Silibwet Leons missed the chance to move into top five on the standings after their clash with giants Shabana ended in a barren draw on Sunday.

Both sides failed to convert their chances in a fairly balanced match that could have gone either way. Following the match Silibwet sit 10th on the NSL log.

Shabana will rue their point blank miss in the closing stages of the first half when Brian Michira fired straight into the Silibwet goalkeeper following a nice build up play in the left flank capped by a smooth cut back by danger man Enoch Momanyi.

Silibwet had earlier missed a glorious chance to go in front after Isaac Otundo’s ambitious effort from 18 yards was tipped over the crossbar by Shabana goalkeeper.

Silibwet again went agonizingly close to getting the winner in the dying minutes of the game when Jim Owili’s cross from the right wing was tipped by Shabana shot stopper to hit the cross bar for a corner that was neither converted.

Head coach Evans Mafuta praised his charges for keeping yet another clean sheet against a thought opponent.

“Shabana is one of the most seasoned teams in the league and a barren draw against them is a welcome result as it shows our mettle against top sides.
“Our attacking was poor today and that’s what we’ll work on this week ahead of our next match against Nairobi Stima,” he told Citizen Digital.

Shabana team manager Elijah Sani was contented with the outcome which is their sixth unbeaten game.

“Am happy we managed to earn at least a point away from home which pushes us further up on the log.

Am confident we will win our next game against Kenya Police.”

The Gusii Stadium-based side will hope to overcome the league leaders next Saturday as they aim to qualify to the top tier league.