Shabana Fc returned to winning ways as their new signing Oscar Juma scored a brace to help them end Kakamega Homeboyz’s 12-match unbeaten streak with a commanding 4-1 victory on Sunday afternoon at the Gusii Stadium in Kisii County.
To paint their flawless record at home, Elvis Osok was the first to break the deadlock in the first half while Brian Michira sealed the victory with the fourth goal, ensuring Shabana remains unbeaten in their last nine matches at home (6W 3D).
Henry Omollo’s solo goal for Homeboyz in the dying moments of the second half was insufficient to earn his team even a point.
Shabana, now in sixth place with 33 points and eight points behind log leaders Kenya Police, came close to taking the lead in the eighth minute when a long ball from the center was sent to Brian Michira, but his strike was intercepted, resulting in a corner.
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Five minutes later, the visitors responded with an attempt but John Omondi’s shot, which was dangerously close, hit the woodwork allowing Shabana’s goalkeeper to quickly restart play.
The match remained tight, with neither side able to capitalize on their opportunities.
It was not until the 32nd minute that Shabana broke the deadlock with Osok scoring from a well-executed finish after a free kick from Justine Omwando was whipped in from the left wing.
Masaka, attempting to clear the ball with a punch, missed completely.
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Just a minute before the break, Shabana could have doubled their lead when Michira delivered a perfect cross to Darius Msagha. However, Masaka made a crucial save to deny Shabana a second goal.
Homeboyz struggled to create clear-cut chances, and they could not capitalize on their limited opportunities. Shabana led 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Francis Baraza made two substitutions before kick-off.
Brian Eshihanda was forced off due to injury and replaced by Potiphar Odhiambo, while Oliver Majak came on for Hillary Otieno.
Five minutes into the second half, Moses Shumah came close to equalizing after a fine cross from Majak, but his shot was once again saved by Mulili.
Homeboyz had another opportunity to level the score after a series of well-executed passes from Majak and Moses Mudavadi. However, Shumah’s strike was intercepted by Shabana’s resolute defense.
To maintain their advantage, Shabana made two substitutions of their own. Ezekiel Omuri and Vincet Nyabuto were replaced by Oscar Juma and Kevin Omundi to bring fresh energy into the game.
Just three minutes after his introduction, Juma doubled Shabana’s lead with a composed finish.
After a shot from Imbali was saved by Masaka, the ball deflected onto Juma’s left foot, and he calmly slotted it into the net for his first goal for the club.
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Oscar was not finished yet.
In the 74th minute, he completed his brace, tripling Shabana’s lead with a powerful strike from the right wing that Masaka could not handle. The ball bounced off his hands and rolled past the goal line.
With just four minutes remaining before the 90th-minute mark, Brian Michira sealed the victory for Shabana with a powerful shot from outside the box.
His strike ensured that the Tore Bobe boys secured all three points and ended their four-match winless streak, while Michira scored his ninth goal of the season.
Kakamega Homeboyz’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Henry Omollo pulled one back for them. However, the goal was not enough to reduce the deficit.
Shabana later had a fifth goal ruled out for offside, and the final whistle confirmed the points for the home side.
Starting XI
Shabana: Maxwel Mulili, Elvis Osok, James Mazembe, Mark Okolla, George Dizo, Justine Omwando, Darius Msagha, Keith Imbali, Vincet Nyabuto (Kevin Omundi), Brian Michira, Ezekiel Omuri (Oscar Juma)
Kakamega Homeboyz: Simon Masaka, John Omondi, Boniface Onyango, Francis Omondi, Brian Eshihanda (Potiphar Odhiambo), Glen Otunga, Estone Omengo, Faruk Musisi, Moses Mudavadi, Hillary Otieno (Oliver Majak), Moses Shumah