Shabana edges Assad to keep fine form under Okoth

National Super League (NSL) giants Shabana continued with their fine form under new coach Sammy Okoth after they edged out rookies SS Assad 1-0 at the Awendo Green Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

The hosts, Shabana, staged a bright start to the game, with their early build ups freeing Bryan Michira into the left edge of the box but his effort was parried wide by Assad shot stopper Ali Wesi. 

However, Assad countered their their threat as they grew into the game to force a 0-0 score line into the break. 

Shabana got off the mark two minutes after the break following a superb build up down the right flank that was capped by a neat finish by Vincent Nyabuto's neat right-foot finish from close range. 

The glamour boys came into the fixture riding on a two-game unbeaten streak since Okoth was appointed to replace Robert Ojienda at the helm, with Vincent Nyabuto's solitary goal two minutes after the breather was enough to secure them all points on offer. 

The visitors pushed for an equalizer in the second half with talisman John Ebong and Ali Juma coming close but the hosts held out for a win. 

An elated Shabana tactician Sammy Okoth lauded his charges at the final whistle for thwarting their resilient opponents, terming their victory as an indication of their determination to push for qualifying slots come end of the season. 

"We played a good game today and managed our advantage very well given the quality of our opponents. 

"A win is a welcome result as it pushes us higher on the log. I feel we have show our quality on both ends of the pitch." 

His opposite number Hamisi Marumu rued their profligacy in front of goal as the only blemish on good display against a seasoned side. 

"My players expressed themselves and I could not ask them to do anything more on that front. 

"We have learned our mistakes more so on finishing off our chances I home we'll stage a better display on our next game." 

Shabana will host bitter rivals Gusii FC next Saturday at the Awendo Green Stadium in Migori while Assad will welcome Dandora Love as they aim to shrug off their latest setback.