After suffering one of the biggest defeats in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League this season, Shabana will face Gor Mahia on matchday 9, on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Tore Bobe have been under pressure since they began their top-flight campaign, but it was their recent 4-0 loss to the Ulinzi Stars that greatly underpinned their woeful season thus far.

After the loss to the former league champions, they will tackle the reigning kings, and the hope of recovering from the defeat looks slightly off given that Gor Mahia have been in good form.

Match Preview

This is the first meeting between Gor Mahia and Shabana this season in the league, and owing to the huge fanbase they enjoy, the game is going to be ecstatic both on and off the pitch.

A win for both sides is greatly needed, as Gor Mahia would hope to close in on Posta Rangers, who are leading by 19 points. On the other hand, Tore Bobe would vigourously hunt for a victory to ease pressure on themselves.

After the Sunday loss, coach Sammy Okoth said he would step down from his position, but he was seen on Monday, October 30, guiding Shabana’s training session.

The National Super League champions are just above the relegation zone after enduring a slow start to the campaign; one win, four draws, and three losses are what they have managed.

They have only managed six goals and conceded 11, and coming against Gor Mahia, who have been impressive on all fronts, is set to be a challenge.

Johnathan McKinstry’s boys have been solid at the back, as they have only conceded four, and the frontline, led by in-form Benson Omala, has found the back of the net 11 times.

Shabana are expected to have a tough day dealing with Omala, who is leading the scorers’ chart with seven goals.

Team News

After getting injured in their game against Tusker, centre-back Emery Bayisenge was not involved in the goalless draw against Bidco United. McKinstry is set to line up Joshua Onyango in place of the injured rival.

Patrick Sibomana and Rogers Mugisha are doubtful after being substituted in the last game. McKinstry said Sibomana felt a little tweak in his back, while Mugisha’s injury could be a hamstring. Both have been regular starters, and their absence would be a big blow to the coach.

Gad Mathews, John Macharia, and Patrick Kaddu are yet to be involved since they have been carrying injuries since the season began. The goalkeeper and Macharia are set for returns, as he was on the matchday squad.

Predicted XIs

Shabana probable XI: Erick Ongiri, Silas Shihemi, Brian Magare, Abisolom Aduda, Rodgers Aloro, George Onyango, Peter Ongechi, Justine Omwando, Wycliffe Nthata, Vincent Nyabuto, Isaac Otieno

Gor Mahia probable XI: Kevin Omondi, Paul Ochuoga, Geoffrey Ochieng, Joshua Onyango, Kennedy Onyango, Kevin Juma, Alpha Onyango, Lawrence Juma, Benson Omala, Rogers Ouma, John Macharia.