Shabana and Migori Youth played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Round 4 of the SportPesa League, with the result extending both sides’ run of consecutive draws to three matches this season.
The Glamour Boys looked to have taken the lead in the 19th minute when Kevin Omundi found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Shabana continued to push and eventually broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time.Ghanaian striker Abdul Hafiz chased a long ball and shrugged off the challenge from Hamvin Okoth, who was wrong-footed before Hafiz kept his composure to fire past Migori Youth goalkeeper Vincent Kamungo with his left foot.
Migori Youth returned from the break with greater intent, with the visitors growing into the contest as heavy rainfall added another dimension to the encounter.Just seven minutes after the restart, Churchill Otieno came close to finding the equaliser, but Shabana goalkeeper Pavel Ndzila stood firm to make a composed close-range save from the forward’s right-footed effort.
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Migori Youth continued to press and eventually found their reward in the 75th minute.A long throw from Maxwell Odada was initially cleared by the Shabana defence, but the ball fell perfectly into the path of Otieno, who struck first time to beat Ndzila and restore parity.
It was a landmark moment for the former Agoro Sare High School captain, who scored his first-ever top-flight goal.
The equaliser also brought an end to Shabana’s perfect defensive record, with the Glamour Boys having gone into the match without conceding in their opening three league fixtures.
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Shabana pushed for a winner late in the game and came agonisingly close.Danson Kiprono produced a powerful drive before laying the ball off to Brian Bett, who attempted a trivela effort towards the far post.
With the goalkeeper beaten, Maxwell Odada was perfectly positioned to clear the ball off the line and preserve the 1-1 scoreline.
Neither side could find a late winner as the points were ultimately shared.The result means Shabana and Migori Youth have now drawn three consecutive matches this season, underlining how difficult it has been for either side to turn their promising starts into victories.
Starting Lineups
Shabana: Pavel Ndzila, Brian Bett, Mazembe James, Onyango George, Sanday Herbert, Otieno Byron, Brian Michira, Omundi Kevin, Hafiz Alhasan, Maina Sigmun, Ogutu Brian
Migori Youth: Victor Kamungo, Maxwell Odada, Woodyine Okoth, Fredrick Ng’iela, Vincent Wanga, David Odoyo, Hamvin Okoth, Philemon Nyakwaka, Churchill Otieno, Dennis Oguta, Elly Owande