- Shabana beat Sofapaka in Gusii to extend their SportPesa League winless run to nine matches.
- The Round 17 encounter was played on Saturday, January 17.
- Bronson Nsubuga scored the lone goal as Shabana climbed to third place on the league table.
Sofapaka’s ship continues to sink deeper, extending their SportPesa League winless run to nine matches after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Shabana FC on Saturday afternoon at Gusii Stadium.
Batoto Ba Mungu, who began the season brightly, now find themselves hovering in the relegation zone with only 14 points from 17 matches. The loss in Kisii stretched their winless streak to nine games, comprising six defeats and three draws.
For the hosts, however, things are falling into place. Securing maximum points at home propelled them into third place on the table, narrowing the gap to the joint leaders, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, who are tied with 30 points, while Shabana now sit third with 27.
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Shabana beat Sofapaka in Gusii 1-0
Shabana looked poised to claim the three points from the outset.
It took just six minutes for them to breach the Sofapaka defense, drawing first blood through Bronson Nsubuga.
Following a well-constructed move from the right wing, Nsubuga weaved through the Sofapaka backline and unleashed a clever finish not powerfully struck, but enough to beat goalkeeper Brian Marani.
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Peter Odi’s side came close to doubling their lead in the 17th minute. Nsubuga orchestrated a swift counter-attack down the right, picking out Ezekiah Omuri, who surged forward alone.
Though he rounded the Sofapaka keeper, Stephen Bonnie cleared the danger just off the goal line in a half where both teams shared control.
Sofapaka, who offered little in attack during the first period, fashioned a clear opportunity in the 37th minute.
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Tyron Kariuki drove down the left flank and delivered a cross to Joseph Kuloba, who swung the ball into the box. With the goal gaping, Meshack Otieno headed over the bar.
Kuloba then retrieved the ball and sent another delivery into the area, but Otieno’s close-range effort was well saved by Shabana goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng.
The second half produced fewer clear chances from either side. In the 73rd minute, Ezekiel Akwana’s team nearly equalized after a fine build-up: Japheth Lihanda crossed into the box, but Kuloba’s strike flew straight into Ochieng’s gloves.
Sofapaka never truly looked like finding a late equalizer, as the Tore Bobe side held their defensive shape firmly.
Shabana secured all three points at home, making it four consecutive positive results at their ground after also drawing against Gor Mahia at the same venue last weekend.
Shabana FC vs Sofapaka Lineups – SportPesa League Round 17
- Shabana: Stephen Ochieng, Mark Okola, Wicliffe Omondi, Victor Omondi, James Mazembe, Byron Otieno, Kevin Omundi, Bronson Nsubuga, Ezekiah Omuri, Brian Michira, Erick Otieno.
- Sofapaka: Brian Marani, Stephen Bonnie, Ronald Musumba, Iddrisu Shaibu, Charles Junior, Daniel Ng’ang’a, Clifton Miheso, Musa Ndusha, Joseph Kuloba, Tyron Kariuki, Meshack Otieno.