- Shabana seek redemption against Mathare United in their round five SportPesa League 2025/26 clash.
- The match is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, at Gusii Stadium.
- Kick-off is set for 2:00 PM EAT.
Shabana FC will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Mathare United in a SportPesa League clash this Sunday, October 26 at Gusii Stadium from 2.00 PM EAT.
The Glamour Boys began the season on a high note, embarking on an impressive three-match unbeaten run to start their campaign. With two victories and a draw, they initially sat atop the table with seven points.
However, this promising streak was halted by a 2-1 defeat to league leaders Posta Rangers.
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Shabana seek redemption at home
The loss was compounded by the absence of key players like Brian Michira and captain George Onyango, who were sidelined and missed the action.
Posta Rangers seized control, with Brian Marita opening the scoring before Teddy Trevor added a second.
A late solo goal from Shabana’s Victor Omondi proved too little, too late, as the defeat saw them drop to third place while the Mailmen took command of the table.
Therefore, Shabana will be solely focused on securing three crucial points that could propel them back to the summit, provided Gor Mahia manages to defeat Posta Rangers in their concurrent Sunday fixture.
Nonetheless, it will not be an easy task, despite the team being buoyed by their massive fanbase to overcome the Mathare side.
The “Slum Boys,” on the other hand, are also seeking to bounce back into form.
After four rounds this season, they have only managed to secure four points from a possible 12, with just one win and one draw to their name.
John Kamau’s squad began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Posta Rangers.
They then narrowly beat KCB 1-0, followed by a goalless draw with Tusker FC. Before the international break, they suffered a crushing 2-1 defeat in the Slum Derby against Kariobangi Sharks.
Therefore, Mathare will be hoping to return to winning ways and cause an upset against the hosts. Currently sitting in 14th place, a victory on Sunday could see them break into the top ten, depending on other results.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mathare United captain Sammy Imbuye acknowledged their slow start but expressed confidence in a turnaround.
“As a team, I think we are very focused. We haven’t had a strong start to the season, and after losing our last game, the focus is there and the belief that we are going to get maximum points,” Imbuye stated.
Shabana vs Mathare United Team News
The Kisii-based club will be without their lethal attacker Michira as he continues to be sidelined by an injury for the next few weeks. Mark Oduor will also be unavailable.
However, coach Peter Okidi has received a boost with three players expected to make a return, led by Onyango and Austin Odongo.
This is a game that demanded character. Those players that came in today (vs Posta Rangers) need to examine themselves and their performances before we even give them their scorecard,” a frustrated Okidi stated after the home defeat.
Meanwhile, Mathare United have not announced any injury concerns within their squad.
Shabana FC vs Mathare United betting tips
This encounter will be the third time these two teams have met in the top flight since Mathare earned promotion last season. Mathare holds the upper hand, having collected four points last season by winning the first leg 1-0 before securing a goalless draw in the reverse fixture.
Historically, this fixture has not produced many goals. Given Shabana’s current form and the absence of key forwards, a low-scoring affair might be on the cards again this Sunday at Gusii Stadium.
SportPesa League Round Five – Murang’a SEAL vs Tusker FC
Elsewhere, in Murang’a County, two bottom-table teams will lock horns as Murang’a SEAL hosts Tusker FC at the SportPesa Arena at 3.00 PM.
The hosts will be seeking to bounce back from consecutive losses and secure only their second win of the season.
With just three points from four matches, they currently sit in 16th place.
Tusker, meanwhile, has endured a turbulent season and remains the only team yet to win a match.
They will be desperately seeking their first victory after two draws and two defeats have left them rooted to the bottom of the table with just two points.
This sets the stage for a fiercely competitive, end-to-end match, with pressure mounting on Brewers’ coach Charles Okere, who urgently needs a win to ease the tension.