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The perfect run by league leaders Shabana FC has finally screeched to a halt following a 1-0 loss to Kibera Black Stars Wednesday at the Ligi Ndogo grounds.

This was the most highly anticipated game of the first leg given the form of both teams in the lead-up to this match. Blackstars tactician Evans Ogutu set out his team to have the ball and frustrate the opponents who had gone nine matches unbeaten in the campaign.

The solo goal for the Slum Boys came against the run of play in the 62nd minute with Baron Ochieng’s strike following a lovely cross from the right. The follow-up one-two between the scorer and Andre Young who assisted the goal was fantastic and drove the ecstatic home crowd to a frenzy.

With the hard-fought win, Blackstars are back to second five points adrift leaders Shabana who have 25 points with the skin boys having a match in hand.

Tore Bobe fought gallantly but it was not to be their day despite a rallying call by the travelling supporters as Vincent Ongechi was well-marked throughout the match.

Coach Ogutu attributed his team tactics as the saviour for the game “Shabana are a very good side but we did our homework and managed them tactically. I told the players to keep the ball on their feet and take the game to the opponents which worked.

Good show

“I applaud the Shabana team for a good show led by their Coach Sammy Okoth and I know the next match will be more fulfilling. It was a game of few chances but everyone seemed interested in it so we are happy with the win,” he told People Sport.

At Migori’s Awendo Stadium, 10-man Mara Sugar beat visitors Kisumu All-Stars 1-0 courtesy of a late Philemon Nyakwaka goal in the 78th minute.

The Sugarmen are now up to fourth in the log with 17 points in the bag after 10 matches. The glitch for the home team though came in the 86th minute after a red card was flashed out to a player over excessive force with the arm.

With All-Stars attempting to take advantage of their numerical advantage, it was too late for them as they stay in seventh place with 13 points off nine games played.

Meanwhile, Mombasa Elite FC were spectacular at home Wednesday after trouncing visitors Silibwet Leon’s 3-0.

Elite had their goals through Chrispine Otieno in the 43rd minute with another brace coming from Brian Muraya in the 67th and 70th minutes.

The match almost seemed an easy breeze for the hosts but Leon’s had their few opportunities in between but failed to utilize them.

With the result at Mbaraki, Elite are in 11th place with 10 points off a similar number of matches. Leons on their part are 14th place with seven points.

Elsewhere, Vihiga United got precious three points away at Kajiado FC following their 2-1 win. A first-half brace by Amos Kidagi in the sixth and 42nd minute was enough to get the Westerners back on the groove after weeks of suffering.

The consolation goal for the hosts came through Ali Liban in the 78th minute. Vihiga are now in 15th place with six points while Kajiado is in the relegation zone with a paltry four points off eight matches.

In other results of the day, SS Assad and Gusii FC tied 0-0 in a fairly contested duel at Shamu Grounds in Ukunda in a game of chances. Gusii failed to get a nod for points to push them better up the log with the home team contented with the point earned.

 Muranga Seal who are third suffered a shock 1-0 loss away to hosts and lowly placed Mwatate United at Windanyi Stadium in Taita Taveta County.

The lone goal was scored by Yunus Kasonzi in the 62nd minute of play. Mwatate are now up slightly to 16th place with five points while Seal are on 18 points off eight matches.