A three-minute brace from Brian Michira was enough to seal the victory for Shabana, as they triumphed 2-1 over AFC Leopards on Wednesday afternoon, claiming their third consecutive win for the first time in the 24/25 Football Kenya Federation Premier League.
AFC Leopards’ woes deepened as their lone goal, scored by Boniface Munyendo, failed to break their four-match winless streak, which has now been extended to five games.
This defeat marked their fourth of the season, leaving Tomas Trucha’s job hanging by a thread as the loss leaves the 12-time Kenyan champions with 11 points from nine matches, ten behind leaders KCB who have played an extra game.
In contrast, Peter Okidi’s Shabana soared to 7th place on the log with 12 points.
In the match, Shabana almost struck in the third minute from a free kick that struck Randy Bakari with force. Though he was left writhing in pain, Bakari had made an impressive save from the powerful shot.
The match then proceeded as a tense, cagey affair until the 34th minute when Mathew Tegisi who lofted a perfect cross to Michira who made no mistake in finding the back of the net as he gave Shabana the lead with his powerful header.
Just three minutes later, Michira doubled his tally from close range and netted his third goal of the season, putting Shabana firmly in control.
However, in the 44th minute, Boniface Munyendo pulled one back for AFC Leopards with a strike that gave them a glimmer of hope, suggesting a potential comeback in the second half.
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Shabana aim fourth consecutive win
Upon the second half’s resumption, Trucha made a bold move in introducing Victor Otieno, Kelly Madada, and Arthur Gitego to replace Roonie Shichenje, Boniface Munyendo and Julius Masaba, respectively as he attempted to salvage the game.
Despite the changes, there was nothing forthcoming for Leopards who were unable to find an equalizer.
In the 64th minute, Trucha made another change, bringing on Victor Omune for captain Clifton Miheso hoping to inject some fresh energy into the attack.
The match was then temporarily halted due to heavy rain during stoppage time, but even after the delay, AFC Leopards failed to break Shabana’s resolve who sealed their victory, claiming the valuable three points.
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Next up, AFC Leopards will face Police FC on Sunday, December 1 while Shabana will be chasing their fourth consecutive win as they take on Kakamega Homeboyz on the same day.
In other matches, Kariobangi Sharks’ winless streak continued as they were comprehensively beaten 2-0 by Bandari at Ukunda Grounds.
The Sharks had enjoyed a promising start to the season but their form has faltered in their last six matches during which they have failed to secure a win (D4 L2).
At the SportPesa Arena, Posta Rangers clinched their second victory of the season after defeating Bidco United 3-1.
Meanwhile, Jackline Juma led Talanta FC to a narrow 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
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