Pamzo praises Shabana despite 'disappointing' Ulinzi draw

Shabana FC head coach Sammy "Pamzo" Omollo is disappointed after his team conceded a last minute equaliser against Ulinzi Stars in a Kenyan Premier League match at Ulinzi Complex on Sunday.

Shabana were less than 60 seconds from a grabbing all the points before Ulinzi defender Glen Wafula  leaped highest to head home in time added on to tie the duel 2-2.

Staphod Odhiambo scored a fifth minute opener for Ulinzi before Shabana took the lead through Mathew Tegisi’s brace in the 45th and 65th minute.

While some fans cried foul of the referee playing more added time than the stipulated official minutes, Pamzo admits it was their own undoing that led to the equaliser.

"We were winning this and conceding the last minute after rallying from behind to lead 2-1 pains a lot. We will take the point and prepare for the next game. We had the problem of conceding last minute goals last season and we had worked on it but a lapse in concentration saw us drop two important points," said Pamzo.

It means Shabana are still hunting for their first win of the season after drawing 1-1 with Bidco United in their opener.

Pamzo, a former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars, said right back Elvis Osok's absence at the time saw them lose their defensive shape leading to the equaliser.

He was receiving treatment on the touchline.

However, Pamzo believes they played well and pushing the soldiers to the wall showed they have improved.

They fell 4-0 in their previous encounter against the soldiers under Pamzo's predecessor Sammy Okoth.

"Ulinzi is a big side and they equally played well. I could see the improvement from the time we played them in a pre-season friendly match," added Pamzo.

He was full of praise for two-goal hero Tegesi, who has three goals in two matches — half his tally for the whole of last season.

Tegesi joined the Glamour Boys during the January transfer window.

The former Tusker and Gor Mahia tactician expects a better season after fighting relegation for the better part of the previous, securing a 14th-place finish.

Meanwhile, Pamzo is optimistic about leaving a mark this season, especially after being cleared hot to stage home matches at the refurbished Gusii Stadium.

This, he said, will enhance home advantage since it will be convenient for their fans to attend in droves.

Their first encounter at home will be against Posta Rangers on Saturday.