Shabana’s interim coach, Peter Okidi, has hailed their 1-0 win against Kenya Police as a turning point for the team.
Okidi said: “This win is very important to us. We wanted to win last week against City Stars but we fumbled and lost. Our season has officially started today. We had a false start but I want to assure our fans that more wins are coming.”
It was Shabana’s first win of the season. “We prepared the team mentally for the game. We would have scored more goals but we didn’t convert our chances,” noted During the game, Vincent Nyabuto scored the lone goal after he was put through by James Mazembe in the first half of the game that was played at Gusii Stadium on Sunday.
The coach hailed Mazembe’s impact and backed him to have a bigger impact on the team. “He played as a left back today and had an assist. He is an experienced player who will help us this season,” he added.
Shabana welcomed midfielder Justine Omwando to the starting lineup but missed their top scorer Mathew Tegisi who is still out with an injury Meanwhile, AFC Leopards Tomas Trucha has urged patience, saying he believes his charges can contend for the league title.
The Czech tactician spoke after the traditional Kenyan giants overcame an early scare to wring out a hard-fought one-all draw against Mara Sugar at Dandora Stadium on Sunday.
“I’m urging the players to stay grounded and keep working hard. The results will eventually come,” Trucha said.
He also called for unity and determination, terming them essential components of success. “The journey to success will not be easy. We need to be disciplined and focused on their game, as well as support each other on and off the field,” he added.
Meshack Karani’s 43rd-minute stunner fired Mara into the lead after a nail-biting goal-mouth melee that had spectators on the edge of the seats.
The goal further lifted the visitors’ spirits, providing them with the motivation and drive to battle for the vital three points.
However, the party was ruined when Sydney Lokale’s late effort in the fifth minute of added time salvaged Leopards from the jaws of humiliation that could have seen them suffer a fourth straight loss.
Mara Sugar head coach George Midenyo said he was happy they earned a vital away point, but felt they could have done better.
He said his charges demonstrated determination and skill. “We controlled possession and created several scoring opportunities. We ought to have won the match,” Midenyo stated.
Midenyo lavished praise on his players for their resilience, hard work, and tactical awareness. “The boys have my utmost pride. We knew it would be a tough game, but we stayed focused and executed our game plan to perfection. The goal was a moment of brilliance, and Karani deserves all the credit for his fantastic effort.”
Midenyo also highlighted the contributions made by the entire team. “I want to single out the defensive sturdiness and the heroics of our goalkeeper who made several crucial saves to keep AFC Leopards at bay,” he said.
The draw propelled Mara Sugar to the second spot on the log with 15 points, two shy of leaders KCB. The Narok-based sugar millers now have their sights set on toppling the bankers from the summit of the cut-throat competition.
Elsewhere, Kakamega Homeboyz beat Murang’a Seal 2-0 at St. Sebastian Park while Bidco United ran over Bandari 2-0 at Ukunda Showground.
