Shabana FC continued their relentless pursuit of the SportPesa League title 25/26 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tusker FC, spoiling Julien Mette’s debut in the Brewers’ dugout.
A first-half own goal from Tusker defender Tom Teka proved to be the difference in the early kickoff match played on Saturday at the Gusii Stadium.
Shabana head coach Peter Okidi maintained the same side that beat Posta Rangers in Wang’uru while Tusker FC new head Coach Julien Mette opted to make three changes from the team that lost to Mathare United.
Introducing Brandon Nathan in goal for Brian Opondo while Chrispine Erambo started in midfield in place of Vincent Otieno as Dennis Oalo replaced Dennis Oguta.
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Shabana edge Tusker 1-0 at the Gusii Stadium
Tusker’s appeal for a penalty early on was dismissed by Centre referee Dickens Mimisa. Kapaito had come into contact with George Orako but the ball was given for a goal kick.
The hosts took the lead in the 39th minute after Brian Michira’s cross was miscued by Tom Teka who steered the ball into his own net.
The second half started off in frantic pace as Tusker pushed for the equaliser. It was until late in the half that Ian Simiyu almost got the equalizer.
His long range effort was partially saved by Shabana Goalkeeper Ochieng’ with the resultant shot also saved from Oalo.
Ochieng’ was once again called to action in stoppage time from a freekick saving Simiyu’s freekick spectacularly with the match ending in a 1-0 win for Shabana.
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This victory momentarily catapults Shabana FC into a tie for second place with AFC Leopards, moving them to 37 points and keeping the heat on league leaders Gor Mahia.
For Tusker FC, the crisis deepens. The Brewers remain in 9th place with 28 points, having now failed to win in their last four outings. Julien Mette faces a steep uphill battle to fix a side that, while improved in possession today, still lacks the clinical edge required to climb back.
Shabana FC vs Tusker FC SportPesa League Round 21 lineups
- Shabana: Stephen Ochieng’, Brian Bett,George Orako,Wycliffe Omondi,James Mazembe, ,Biron Otieno,Kevin Omundi,Keith Imbali,Brian Michira,Pape Diallo,Assis Mambote
- Tusker.: Brandon Obiero, Eugene Ikutwa, Collins Odhiambo,Tom Teka,Charles Momanyi,Crispine Erambo,Fabian Adikiny,Dennis Oalo,Thomas Omole, Stephen Etyang’,Eric Kapaito.