Shabana left it until the final moments to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over Mathare United, with captain George Onyango Dizzo’s towering stoppage-time header sealing their 11th win of the season in the SportPesa League.
Determined to rewrite recent history after losing the first leg and failing to beat Mathare since their return to the top flight, Shabana started with intent.
Head coach Peter Okidi made one change from the side that edged Tusker FC 1-0 at Gusii Stadium, drafting in Brian Olega to lead the attack, while Brian Bett retained his place at right-back for a fourth straight start.
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Mathare United coach John Kamau also rang the changes following the 1-1 Slum Derby draw against Kariobangi Sharks. Dennis Okoth came in for John Mark Makwata, who was on compassionate leave, while Paul Kinyanjui made his second start after recovering from injury.
Dizzo’s last gasp header hands Shabana crucial win over Mathare United
The contest sparked into life early. In the seventh minute, a misjudged clearance from Mathare goalkeeper Kevin Ouru dropped kindly for Keith Imbali, but the chance went begging. At the other end, Brian Ouru nearly stunned Shabana with a clever flick from the edge of the area that drifted inches wide.
Shabana continued to press. Bett whipped in an inviting cross in the 16th minute that Diallo failed to connect with inside the six-yard box. Later, Brian Michira slipped Diallo through, but his step-overs could not create enough space as Mathare recovered to block the effort.
Kevin Ouru soon found himself busy. He punched away a thunderous strike from Imbali before reacting sharply to deny Michira on the rebound, ensuring the sides went into halftime level.
Shabana returned for the second half with greater urgency, launching quick balls from the flanks. Olega squandered a golden opportunity when he fired wide with an open net at his mercy.
Moments later, Kevin Ouru raced off his line to close him down again, forcing the striker to blaze over.
Mathare thought they deserved a penalty in the 61st minute when Kinyanjui went down in the box, but the referee signaled play on.
Substitute Omweri nearly made an instant impact, stinging the palms of Shabana goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng’ with a fierce drive.
As the match entered its closing stages, Shabana camped in Mathare’s half. Michira missed a clear sight of goal in the 83rd minute, and Derrick Otieno was introduced to add fresh attacking impetus. Just when it appeared Mathare would hold out, Shabana struck.
With the final kick of the game, substitute Bronson Nsubuga curled in a precise corner. Captain George Onyango Dizzo rose above the crowd and powered home the decisive header, sending the Shabana bench into wild celebration.
The win cements Shabana in third place on 40 points ahead of a highly anticipated clash against AFC Leopards on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium.For Mathare United, it marked their 10th defeat of the season and a painful first loss to Shabana since their return to the SportPesa League.
Mathare United vs Shabana FC Starting Lineups
- Mathare United XI:: Kevin Ouru (GK), Sammy Imbuye, Benson Shikutwa, Francis Kayugi, Ian Omondi, Brian Ochieng’ (C), Brian Ouru, Musa Masika, Paul Kinyanjui, Dennis Okoth, Michael Oduor.
- Shabana XI: Stephen Ochieng’ (GK), Brian Bett, James Mazembe, George Onyango Dizzo (C), Wycliffe Omondi, Biron Otieno, Keith Imbali, Kevin Omundi, Brian Olega, Brian Michira, Papa Diallo.