- Shabana FC vs Mara Sugar will face off in Round 14 of the SportPesa League on Wednesday, December 17.
- The encounter will be staged at Gusii Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 pm EAT.
- Shabana are aiming to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches, while Mara Sugar are chasing a third consecutive victory.
Shabana FC will be targeting a seventh consecutive SportPesa League match without defeat on Wednesday afternoon when they host the in-form Mara Sugar at Gusii Stadium, from 3:00 pm.
The Glamour Boys return home seeking consecutive home victories after a dramatic weekend last week, where they came from behind twice to secure a point on the road against Kakamega Homeboyz in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Bukhungu Stadium.
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Potipher Odhiambo gave Homeboyz the lead from the spot in the first half, before Bronson Nsubuga restored parity.
Oliver Majak appeared to have handed the hosts a winning goal that would have sent them top of the table, only for Wycliffe Awiko to equalize in the dying moments, ensuring the sides shared the points.
Shabana FC vs Mara Sugar preview
That result continued Shabana’s resurgence after earlier struggles away from home.
The point from that Round 13 clash extended their unbeaten streak to six matches; comprising three wins and three draws- leaving them seventh in the standings with 19 points from 12 rounds.
Now targeting a second straight home win after defeating Bidco United last time out, a victory on their own turf could potentially propel the Tore Bobe boys to first place, depending on the outcomes for Gor Mahia, Kakamega Homeboyz, who face each other the same day and Tusker’s match against Nairobi United.
Meanwhile, they face a Sugar Millers side also enjoying a rich vein of form, aiming to secure a third consecutive win on Wednesday.
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After a 1-0 away victory over Mathare United, they hosted struggling Kariobangi Sharks at Awendo Green Stadium over the weekend, edging them out 2-0.
A second-half strike from red-hot defender Jimmy Owili and a late penalty from Dennis Cheruiyot- his fourth goal of the season, proved decisive for Edward Manoah’s charges, who dominated much of the contest.
The win moved them to ninth in the log with 17 points, and a possible third away victory this season could see them break into the top five, depending on other results.
Shabana FC vs Mara Sugar: Team News
For manager Edward Manoah, a growing concern this season has been the limited support from fans both home and away, despite the team playing attractive football.
We have been performing very well at home, but it has become increasingly difficult due to off-the-field issues, especially from a section of supporters who are not helping the team in any way,” he remarked recently. “Hopefully, we will all come to our senses and see the bigger picture.”
His side have not announced any absentees, and he will continue to rely on key personnel, with Owili and Robinson Munsungu anchoring the defense, while Cheruiyot will be eager to add a fifth goal to his seasonal tally.
Meanwhile, Shabana’s Peter Okidi was pleased with his team’s resilience in clawing back a point against Kakamega Homeboyz.
“I must commend my players; they showed great character and fighting spirit. They battled well throughout the match. Even when Homeboyz scored late and celebrated for over 45 seconds, my players regrouped, stayed focused, and kept pushing. I am glad it paid off in the end,” he explained after the match.
Shabana may also be seeing a glimmer of hope up front, as lethal striker Brian Michira has shown positive progress in training after injury.
However, he is still expected to miss Wednesday’s encounter, with Okidi likely to keep faith in the lineup that held Homeboyz.
Shabana FC vs Mara Sugar: Head-to-Head and Betting Tips
These two sides will meet for the third time in the SportPesa League since Mara’s return to the top flight last season. Mara hold the upper hand in the top-tier meetings, having won both legs 1-0 last season.
The overall history stretches back to 2021 and 2023 in the second-tier National Super League, where they faced off four times- Mara winning once, Shabana twice, and one match ending level.
In total, across six encounters, Mara have won three, Shabana two, with one draw.
Each of the last five meetings between these teams has produced at least one goal, suggesting we could see the net bulge again, despite both sides occasionally struggling in front of goal this campaign.
Shabana have scored 14 and conceded 11 this season, while Mara have found the net 10 times and let in seven.
With goals featuring in Shabana’s last five matches and Mara’s previous seven, this promises to be a tightly contested affair.