Murang’a SEAL were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw against Shabana FC in a tense SportPesa Derby played at the packed SportPesa Arena in Murang’a.
The match lived up to its billing, with both sides coming into the clash riding on confidence from their previous weekend outings.
Murang’a SEAL had earned a hard-fought 0–0 draw away to AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium, a result that boosted their belief heading into the derby.
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Shabana FC, on the other hand, arrived revitalized after a crucial 1–0 victory over Ulinzi Stars at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, a positive response to what had been a tough run of fixtures.
Coach Osborne Monday made only one adjustment to the team that drew with AFC Leopards, placing captain Joe Waithira on the bench. Shabana’s assistant coach Bernard Mwalala retained the same starting eleven that overcame Ulinzi Stars.
Murang’a SEAL share spoils with Shabana FC in the SportPesa Derby
The match started with intensity, and Shabana made their intentions clear early on. In the 5th minute, a misjudged deflection inside the box fell kindly to the visitors, allowing Wickliffe Omondi to pounce and put Shabana 1–0 ahead.
MSEAL goalkeeper Erick Ongiri was left with no chance as the visitors celebrated an early advantage.
Despite conceding, Murang’a SEAL grew into the match. Victor Haki, Paul Osama and John Kiplangat combined brilliantly in midfield, pushing Shabana back with fluid, confident passing.
In the 18th and 28th minutes, Shabana almost doubled their lead through Austine Odongo, but Ongiri stood firm to deny him.
Murang’a SEAL eventually got their reward in the 30th minute. A well-executed move down the flank saw Tony Musa deliver a precise cross into the area, where John Kiplangat rose highest to guide a powerful header past Stephen Ochieng’, leveling the score at 1–1.
The goal lifted the entire stadium and shifted momentum firmly in SEAL’s favour.
The second half saw tactical adjustments from both sides. Shabana substituted Bronson Nsubuga for defender Humphrey Obino just two minutes after the restart, signalling a more cautious approach.
SEAL responded with double substitutions as Francis Omondi and Francis Memusi replaced John Kiplangat and Michael Owen, injecting fresh energy into their attack.
Shabana later withdrew Keith Imbali for David “Daddy” Odoyo , who nearly stole the show deep in stoppage time with a low effort that narrowly missed the bottom corner.
Murang’a SEAL continued to dominate large spells of the second half, with Dennis Munyovi standing out defensively, winning crucial duels and showing exceptional composure at the back.
SEAL created several promising chances through Omondi and Osama, but lacked the final touch to secure the winning goal.
In the end, both teams had to settle for a point in a fiercely contested derby,the first draw between the two sides in the last 5 encounters.