- Shabana gun down Ulinzi Stars to return to SportPesa League winning ways on Sunday, November 9.
- Mark Okola scored the decisive goal to hand Shabana all three vital away points.
- The match was staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Shabana FC returned to winning ways after edging out Ulinzi Stars 1-0 in a tightly contested SportPesa League encounter held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon.
A 15th-minute strike from Mark Okola was enough to hand the Glamour Boys their first-ever league victory over Ulinzi Stars since their return to the top flight.
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Heading into the match, Ulinzi Stars head coach Stephen Ochola made only one change from the team that held Gor Mahia to a 1-1 draw last weekend.
Walter Wafula came into the starting lineup to replace Peter Mwanyika. On the other hand, Shabana coach Peter Okidi also made a single adjustment, bringing in Mark Oduor to strengthen the defense.
Shabana gun down Ulinzi Stars
The match began at a high tempo, with both teams showing attacking intent and engaging in a physical battle early on.
Shabana looked the more determined side, creating the first real chance of the game when Ezekiel Omuri’s well-taken free kick was tipped over the bar by Ulinzi goalkeeper Timothy Odhiambo in the 13th minute.
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Two minutes later, the visitors got their breakthrough. A well-delivered corner by Bronson Nsubuga found Mark Okola, who rose highest to head home past Odhiambo, giving Shabana a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal lifted Shabana’s confidence as they continued to pile pressure through set pieces, forcing Ulinzi’s defense to work tirelessly to keep them at bay.
Omuri thought he had doubled Shabana’s advantage when he slotted the ball into the back of the net, but the assistant referee’s flag went up for offside.
Wickliffe’s powerful header later drew another fine save from Odhiambo as Shabana went into halftime with a narrow lead.
At the start of the second half, Ochola made tactical changes, introducing Paul Okoth for Enosh Ochieng in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the attack. Ulinzi pushed forward, with Bonface Muchiri testing Shabana goalkeeper Stephen Otieno from the edge of the box, but the shot-stopper was equal to the task.
Shabana almost doubled their lead in the 55th minute when substitute Dunson Kiprono, who had replaced Bronson Nsubuga, rattled the crossbar with a thunderous effort.
Ulinzi responded by bringing on Masuta and Mwanyika for Leonlevitt and Wafula, but their efforts failed to yield an equalizer.
The hosts suffered a setback in the 79th minute when defender Bildad was forced off after a nasty head injury, replaced by Muchika. Moments later, Shabana were also forced into a change, with Ezekiel Omuri stretchered off and Victor Otieno coming on.
Despite late pressure from Ulinzi Stars, Shabana stood firm, with their defense marshaled well by Oduor and Wickliffe.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the visiting fans as Shabana secured a historic 1-0 victory their first over the soldiers since returning to Kenya Premier League.
The win not only ended Shabana’s brief winless run but also boosted their confidence as they look to climb up the league standings in the coming fixtures.