Shabana head coach Peter Okidi could hardly contain his disappointment after his charges conceded late in the match to draw 1-1 against Tusker at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Wednesday.
Okidi said the outcome demonstrated the importance of seizing opportunities early enough in highstakes encounters.
“The players displayed an impressive blend of skill and determination, overcoming the challenges posed by a tough side,” Okidi said.
“We, however, experienced some concentration lapses that ultimately led us to concede late in the game,” he added.
The match, a symphony of skill and determination and a captivating dance between two local titans witnessed a flurry of squandered opportunities at both ends of the interval.
The pivotal moment came in the 12th minute when Keith Imbali unleashed a thunderous strike, sending the ball hurtling past Tusker custodian Brian Opondo into the net.
The early strike set the tone for a vicious encounter and as the match unfolded, Shabana’s defence showcased remarkable composure, with players executing their roles with precision.
However, Eric Balecho glanced a header home to level the terms in stoppage time. Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere said his charges exhibited commendable resilience despite the draw that left a dent in their title aspirations.
The gaffer vowed to address the weaknesses that ultimately cost them the match.
"There are lessons to be learned. The match against Shabana served as a reminder of the areas that require improvement,” Okere said.
“As the league progresses, the challenge will be to harness the strengths displayed in our gameplay while rectifying the shortcomings that were evident in this encounter,” he added.
In another gripping encounter at St. Sebastian Park in Murang’a, KCB faced off against Mathare United, securing a narrow 1-1 draw.
The decisive moment came in the 24th minute when Paul Otieno struck a well-placed shot, sending the ball past the Mathare goalkeeper and into the net. Head coach Patrick Odhiambo lavished praise on his players for their valiant efforts despite the outcome.
“It was a manifestation of the hard work and dedication we have put into practice,” Odhiambo said.
“The players’ ability to remain focused and execute their game plan under pressure was commendable and it is this spirit that will be crucial as we aim for the pinnacle of Kenyan football.”
Mathare United head coach John Kamau expressed disappointment at his team’s performance. Describing his players as a “pale shadow” of their usual selves, Kamau emphasised the need for introspection and improvement.
“The match served as a harsh reminder of the competitive nature of
the league, where even the slightest
lapse in performance can lead to unfavourable outcomes,” Kamau said.
