Shabana FC defeated Murang’a Seal 1-0 in a grueling Round 26 fixture of the Sportpesa League on Sunday afternoon at the Gusii Stadium.
In a match played under heavy conditions following a waterlogged pitch from Saturday’s downpours, Tore Bobe secured the vital three points to leapfrog their opponents and climb into third position on the league standings thanks to a Wycliffe Omondi first half strike.
The victory marks a turning point for Interim Coach Mark Andrew Ongwae, who successfully steadying the ship in his second match in charge, ended the club’s three-match losing streak.
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The hosts made two adjustments to the squad that lost to Gor Mahia handing a start to young forward Austin Odongo upfront over Assis Mambote while Pape Diallo returned to the wings to provide width in place of Bronson Nsubugo.
Murang’a Seal, led by former Shabana analyst Osborne Monday had to deal with the absence of star winger Paul Osama for the first time after his transfer to Sweden earlier this week.
MSEAL opted for Price Musebe in his wide role while Paul Ngugi partnered Jackson Imbiakha in central defence in the absence of Dennis Munyovi who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
Shabana FC return to winning ways with narrow victory over Murang’a SEAL
After a difficult period of settling, the away team attempted to get the opener in the fifteenth minute via Telvin Maina’s shot from distance skiing just wide.
MSEAL would launch a wonderful team move seconds later involving Maina,Waithira and Haki with the latter finding space in the box before hitting the side net.
The hosts responded almost instantly from vice captain Brian Michira found the back of the net in the 20th minute with an overhead kick,but was disallowed for a foul committed by Austin Odongo in the buildup.
The deadlock would be finally broken five minutes before the halftime, a half clearance from a set piece found Wycliffe Omondi at the back post who striked on his left with the ball hitting the crossbar before going in.
Seal’s were however dealt a huge blow when Jackson Imbiakha had to be withdrawn due to injury as Tony Musa took his place heading into the break.
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At the start of the second half, Macharia tried one from distance but it lacked direction.
Substitute Lucas Maina then tried to wriggle his way past the defence for a moment of individual brilliance but his shot was feeble.
MSEAL attempt to get an equaliser did not bear fruits as the Murang’a based side failed to create any meaningful chancery under the tough conditions.
The win moves Shabana FC to 43 points and third on the log while Murang’a Seal remains on 38 points, missing the chance to break into the top three with that loss.
Shabana FC vs Murang’a SEAL SportPesa League Round 26 lineups
- Shabana FC: Stephen Ochieng, Brian Bett, George Orako, Wycliffe Omondi, James Mazembe, Biron Otieno, Kevin Omundi, Keith Imbali, Brian Michira, Pape Diallo, Austin Odongo.
- Murang’a Seal: Erick Ongiri, Price Musebe, Paul Ngugi, Jackson Imbiakha, Joseph Omulama,Tim Otieno, Telvin Maina, Washington Owen, Michael Macharia, Joe Waithira, Victor Haki.