Shabana eke second NSL victory
By Barry Silah, September 14, 2019Cash-strapped Shabana picked their second win away to Modern Coast winning 3-2 as the third round of National Super League (NSL) action took place. The former Premiership outfit who took the lead gave away two goals in the first half in what was an action packed match.
However in the second half the tide was changed after the host team made tactical changes and pressed more especially while on possession. The push earned them a goal that was heavily disputed by the Shabana team who stopped play for about 15 minutes before resumption.
The Gusii based team were to be the ones smiling last after a goalmouth melee resulted in their third goal and ultimately the full points with sound display by their two Congolese imports Abou Traore and Coulibaly Mohammed.
Coach Gilbert Selebwa was elated but was left hard done by with the officiating. “I was not very pleased with the two goals awarded including the first penalty which to me was dubious.
Anyway what matters is we collected full points away from home which is not easy. Onwards to the next and I feel very happy because again the boys showed great character which was a plus,” he told People Sport.
Visiting Migori Youth also stunned hosts Coast Stima 2-1 at Mbaraki Stadium in another thriller.
Another ex-Premier league pair Nairobi City Stars and recently relegated Vihiga United battled to a goalless draw at Hope Centre. The visitors were fluid and full of attack as the home team got lucky in numerous occasions.
City Stars were forced to sit deep and wait for occasional counter attacks but nothing doing. Twice in the early stages of the second half, Vihiga hit the woodwork as they prodded the spaces.
A Mt Kenya United picked their second win of the young campaign after coming from the back to beat newcomers Northern Wanderers 2-1 at the end.
Offensive player Khadar Yusuf put the debutants on the front seat with a good finish from the near post inside 20 minutes but a relentless Mt Kenya bagged their goals later on courtesy of deadly pair of John Ndirangu and Hussein Puzo.
Elsewhere Bidco United maintained their 100 per cent run in the championship following a 65th minute penalty goal to beat FC Talanta 1-0 at Thika Stadium in an early kick off.
Later on at the same venue, Muranga Seal land Vihiga Bullets went goalless in a tussle between league newcomers.
Nairobi Stima continue leading the standings after a 3-2 win over newcomers APs Bomet at Green Stadium in Kericho while title contenders Ushuru FC could only settle for a 1-1 draw with mid table side Administration Police at Ruaraka Grounds. – Barry Silah