Kariobangi Sharks pulled off a stunning late comeback on Sunday afternoon, scoring twice in just two minutes to defeat Shabana FC 2-1 in a SportPesa League Round 24 early kickoff match.
What looked set to be a historic afternoon for Tore Bobe at a packed Gusii Stadium turned into heartbreak as the visitors maintained their dominant unbeaten record over the hosts.
The result is a massive blow to Shabana’s top-three ambitions, leaving them on 40 points, while the Sharks climb to 14th place with 25 points, moving further away from the relegation dogfight.
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After a cagey, goalless first half where both sides struggled to find their rhythm, the game exploded into life immediately after the restart.
In the 49th minute, the Gusii faithful were sent into raptures when Brian Michira found space in the box to slot home the opener from. Derrick Otieno pass looping past the oncoming Sebastian Wekesa to give Shabana a deserved 1-0 lead.
For the next 30 minutes, Shabana looked comfortable, absorbing pressure and appearing destined to finally break their Sharks jinx. However, the match turned on its head in a chaotic 80th minute. Razel Omondi clinical finish drew the visitors level, stunning the home crowd.
Disaster struck for Shabana almost immediately from the restart. A lapse in concentration saw Mark Okolla lose possession cheaply allowing the Sharks to transition instantly with Markvivan Kesa capitalizing on the confusion, firing home the winner just sixty seconds after the equalizer to complete the remarkable turnaround.
With this victory, Kariobangi Sharks extend their remarkable unbeaten run against Shabana. The bogey team narrative continues, as Shabana remains winless in six top-flight attempts against the Nairobi side.
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Elsewhere Tusker FC secured their third consecutive victory for the first time this season, defeating Kakamega Homeboyz 2-0 at the Wang’uru Stadium on Sunday afternoon thanks to an Ibrahim Joshua first half brace.
The win sees the Brewers climb to 37 points, moving within a single point of Homeboyz and breathing life back into their quest for a top-three finish. For the visitors, the defeat is a massive blow to their podium ambitions, especially after Shabana’s earlier result.
Shabana FC vs Kariobangi Sharks SportPesa League Round 24 lineups
- Shabana: Stephen Otieno, Ezekiel Omuri, Austine Odongo, Biron Otieno, James Mazembe, Mark Oduor, Wycliffe Omondi, Brian Michira, Derrick Oketch, Bronson Nsubuga, Mark Okola
- Kariobangi Sharks: Sebastian Wekesa, Ian Karani, Ghai Panchol, Imala Ekhavi, Kevinluke Otiala, Eusters Chasara, Faiz Opande, Keagan Ndemi, Izzadin Juma, David Majak, Humphrey Aroko