A clinical first-half strike from Batshi Assis proved the difference as Shabana FC secured a vital 1-0 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz at the Gusii Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The result moves Tore Bobe to 46 points, drawing them level with the visitors and reigniting their charge for a top-three finish.
For Kakamega Homeboyz, the defeat stalls their momentum, leaving them tied with their hosts as the battle for supremacy behind the league leaders intensifies.
Shabana, entering the match with a revamped technical bench following the return of Osborne Monday made one forced change to the defensive unit, with Justus Munika stepping in at center-back for the suspended Wycliff Omondi.
ALSO READ: Osborne Monday returns to Shabana FC as assistant coach after Murang’a SEAL exit
Shabana FC edge Kakamega Homeboyz
Kakamega Homeboyz boss Patrick Odhiambo also made adjustments to his lineup, handing starts to Rodgers Musonye at left-back and Erick Okutu in midfield in place of Shaffiq Battambuze and Rodgers Ouma respectively.
Abana Abeingo struggled to find their rhythm early on against a high-pressing Shabana side buoyed by the vocal home crowd.
The breakthrough came midway through the first half. A lapse in the Homeboyz backline allowed Batshi Assis space inside the area, and the forward made no mistake, firing a low drive into the net to send the Gusii faithful into celebration.
Elsewhere at the Kasarani Annex,Mathare United thrashed relegation threatened Bidco United 3-0 in the early kickoff match .
A brace from John Mark Makwatta and a Musa Masika second half volley ensured the slum boys collect all the three points.
At the Kasarani Main Stadium, another relegation threatened side Kariobangi Sharks lost to Mara Sugar 1-0 with Timothy Ndayala netting the all important goal.
Shabana Starting Lineup
Stephen Ochieng’ ,Mark Oduor,Justus Munika,George Orako,James Mazembe,Kevin Omundi,Biron Otieno,Brian Michira, Derrick Otieno,Danson Kiprono, Batshi Assis
Kakamega Homeboyz
Ibrahim Wanzala, Boniface Onyango, Potiphar Odhiambo, Rodgers Musonye, Moses Mudavadi,Eston Omengo,John Omondi,Oliver Majaka