- Shabana FC picked up a 3-1 win over Bandari FC at the Gusii Stadium on Sunday.
- Shabana’s goals were scored by Austine Odongo, Nehemiah Onchiri and Mark Okola while Ali Halafu was on the score sheet for Bandari.
- Elsewhere, the Gor Mahia versus KCB FC match was postponed after heavy rainfall witnessed in Machakos affected the Kenyatta Stadium.
Shabana FC continued with their winning run at the Gusii Stadium on Sunday thanks to a commanding 3-1 victory over coastal based side Bandari FC.
Shabana made clear their intent of picking up the maximum points within just six minutes from the start of the clash when Austine Odongo narrowly missed the target.
As the game continued, the two sides started to get into the game, with Shabana being the more dangerous one.
Their second clear chance of the tie came in the 19th minute when Ezekiah Omuri was stopped by the opponents defence. Nonetheless, it did not take long before Shabana’s effort was rewarded.
Shabana FC breaks Bandari down
The Peter Okidi coached club broke the deadlock in the 22th minute through their teenager Austine Musa Odongo who found himself unmarked in the Bandari penalty box before directing the ball into the net.
The goal sent the Shabana fans who had thronged their home stadium as they always do to wide celebrations.
After going down, Bandari tried to get a quick equalizer but their rivals did not make it easier for them. They pressed them and prevented them from controlling the proceedings.
Shabana’s high press gave them a slim 1-0 halftime lead and helped them go to the break motivated to win the match.
Shortly after the start of the second half, Okidi made a substitution, replacing Omuri with Kevin Omundi.
The substitution paid instantly as his team managed to increase their lead to 2-0 in the 47th minute after Brian Michira whipped in a free kick which was headed into the net by Mark Okola.
The goal made the visitors dig deeper. Bandari’s hard work made them pull one back in with 22 minutes remaining to the end of the regulation time when Ali Halafu headed in from close range.
Super substitute Onchiri
However, super substitute’s Nehemiah Ochiri’s 87th minute goal made it harder for them to return to Mombasa with a point.
Onchiri, who was introduced in the 78th minute in place of Odongo, brought a lot of energy to Shabana FC.
The win increased Shabana’s tally to 40 points and helped them climb to position five, overtaking AFC Leopards and KCB in the process.
Elsewhere, Tusker FC’s chances of winning the FKF Premier League title was reduced after they played to a 1-1 draw with Mara Sugar at the Awendo Stadium.
Tusker, who won the first leg match, scored their goal via Chrispine Erambo while Samuel Odaro was on the score sheet for Mara Sugar.
The draw helped the Brewers to increase their points in the standings to 48 points, one less than leaders Kenya Police FC, who were held to a barren draw by Nairobi City Stars. As for Mara Sugar, they remained in the bottom half of the table with 29 points
KCB versus Gor Mahia FC match cancelled
Meanwhile, the Gor Mahia versus KCB match was called off after heavy downpour witnessed in Machakos made the pitch unplayable.
The former is scheduled to play Shabana FC on April 20 at the scary Gusii Stadium where most giants have fallen this season.
FKF Premier League results for Sunday
- Shabana FC 3-1 Bandari FC
- Gor Mahia FC vs KCB FC: Postponed
- Nairobi City Stars 0-0 Kenya Police FC
- Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 Talanta FC
- Murang’a Seal 1-1 Bidco United
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