Shabana inch closer to NSL title
By Joel Sang, June 28, 2023Shabana will only need to avoid a defeat in their next match in order to lift the National Super League title for the 2022/23 season.
On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, Tore Bobe defeated Mully Children FC 3-1 at the Gusii Stadium. The Super League heavyweights went ahead in the 10th minute when Isaac Otieno found the back of the net.
The visitors struck to peg Shabana back when John Ochieng scored with five minutes remaining before the halftime break.
Determined Tore Bobe
However, Shabana were more determined to take the win and inch closer to the title as they retook their lead in the 73rd minute through Mustapha Oduor’s goal before the third goal was scored by Nehemiah Onchiri in the 82nd minute.
Oduor was the only player to be cautioned on the part of Shabana, as he was shown a yellow card in the 77th minute for delaying the restart of the game.
From the MCF side, Ronny Katunya and Kelvin Omondi were both yellow-carded in the 72nd minute for dissent, and this was after Michael Erick had been booked in the 26th minute.
The win is a huge step for Shabana, as they opened a five-point gap with their title rivals, Muranga Seal, who ceded more ground in the race after a 1-1 draw against Kibera Black Stars.
The Seal were frustrated by Black Stars at the Ligi Ndogo grounds. Walter Juma had given the home side the lead before they conceded when Brian Juma scored. Baron Ochieng and Costa Nzuva were shown yellow cards, as were Seal’s Rajab Omar, John Kiplangat, and John Mwita.
Seal have had an impressive season and gained promotion to the Premier League. They have 20 wins, six draws, and eight losses so far in the Second Division.
Black Stars are in 14th place with 29 points after nine wins and eight draws. They have lost 13 games as the Super League hits the home stretch.
At Mbaraki Stadium, Coastal Heroes managed a 2-1 victory over visiting Kajiado FC. Kajiado were the first side to take the lead when they scored in the 52nd minute through Abdulrahman Bwanashakari, but Coastal Heroes fought back to win.
Their comeback was inspired by Ghalib Ali and Lucky Kaingu, who scored in the 63rd and 87th minutes, respectively. Bwanashakari was given a yellow card in the first minute of added time, while on the Kajiado side, Rayan Tahya and Ali Musembi were cautioned in the 75th and 86th minutes, respectively.
The win leaves Coastal Heroes in 11th place after playing 31 games in which they have amassed 35 points. So far, they have 10 wins, five draws, and 16 losses.
On the other hand, Kajiado FC, 15th in the 19-team table, suffered their 19th loss of the season. They have only managed eight wins and four draws.
Hopeful Mara Sugar
Mara Sugar kept their promotion hopes alive with a 1-0 victory over Vihiga United. The only goal scored in the game was scored in the 23rd minute by Philemon Nyakwaka from the spot. Brian Ochieng of Mara Sugar was cautioned in stoppage time for a reckless tackle.
Elsewhere, Gusii registered a slim 1-0 win over Darajani Gogo, with Dennis Mabeya’s goal in the 47th minute separating the opponents. Gusii’s Pablo Oduor, Abernego Nyakundi, and Job Mochama were yellow-carded in the 23rd, 52nd, and 75th minutes, respectively. Only Wilson Stanley was booked from Darajani Gogo’s side.
Finally, Mwatate United were 2-0 winners over Mombasa Elite. Chrispus Wekesa scored in the sixth minute before the second one was registered by Alvin Ngoro in the 51st minute.
Brian Mandela, Victor Otieno, Wekes, Ngoro, and Peter Otieno were Mwatate’s players to be booked. Woodvine Okoth and Fidel Masika were the cautioned players from Mombasa Elite.