Gor Mahia see off Shabana as Tusker fall to Ulinzi Stars
By Joel Sang, November 1, 2023Shabana’s struggles in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League are far from over after a 1-0 defeat to Gor Mahia on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Moi International Sports Complex in Kasarani.
The loss comes days after they were outclassed by Ulinzi Stars, where they fell to a 4-0 defeat, while Gor Mahia returned to winning ways after they were held to a goalless draw by Bidco United.
Under stand-in coach Oscar Kambona, Tore Bobe looked like a more solid side than they were in previous games, and even going forward in attacks, Vincent Nyabuto, Brian Magare, and Justine Omwando troubled Gor Mahia’s defenders.
Even when the second half started, the National Super League champions were ambitious going forward, especially with the introduction of Dennis Wafula in the attacking department.
Kevin Omondi in Gor Mahia’s goal was called to quick action in the 56th minute when Isaac Otieno set Magare through on goal, who triggered a low drive that Omondi kept away in a superb manner.
Benson Omala kept fighting, although with limited supplies of balls, and in the 66th minute, he tested Erick Ongiri with a low shot. The Shabana goalkeeper, after blocking Omala’s shot, managed to deny Austin Odhiambo a goal-scoring chance at close range two minutes later.
Omala could have claimed his eighth goal of the season in the 72nd minute, but his header went out slightly when he rose superbly to connect from a corner ball.
Shabana suffered a blow when they were reduced to 10 men as Absalom Aduda was sent off in the 79th minute for denying Omala an open goal-scoring chance.
Gor Mahia kept fighting and eventually scored inside the added minutes. Rooney Onyango, who was recently applauded by Harambee Stars’ head coach Engin Firat, was the scorer of the vital goal for the reigning Premier League champions.
Tusker fall
Meanwhile, Tusker suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ulinzi Stars. This is a huge blow to the Brewers’ title hopes, given that they have struggled since the season started and are lagging behind the leading pack.
Boniface Muchiri, a former Tusker player, was the scorer of the goal that separated the former Premier League champions in their midweek clash.
Finally, KCB were shocked by Sofapaka, who managed a 3-0 victory at the Kasarani Annex. Khalid Jumaan scored the opening goal for Batoto ba Mungu in the 13th minute, before Fiston Abdul Razack and Amos Asembeka scored their respective goals in the 57th and 64th minutes, respectively.
This is the second win for Sofapaka this season.