NSL: Mara shock Shabana with late winner

NSL: Mara shock Shabana with late winner

National Super League newbies Mara Sugar left it late to dent Shabana's promotion ambitions with a 2-1victory on Sunday at the Awendo Green Stadium in Awendo thanks to a spirited fightback in the second half. 

Shabana underlined their intent five minutes into the game by taking the lead through winger Vincent Nyabuto's neat finish inside the area but a barrage of attacks from the hosts saw them turn the game on it head through Ruben Mita's leveler in the 55th minute before dangerman Mohammed Baraza slotted home a dramatic winner in the second minute of extra time to earn the millers all points on offer. 

Shabana dominated early proceedings and nearly doubled their lead through Yusuf Mohammed in the 21st minute but his towering headed goal was ruled offside to give Mara a fighting chance. 

Midfield sensation Brian Michira also came close to scoring Shabana's second but his fierce shot from outside the area was parried wide by Mara Sugar shot stopper Fred Lwanyanga who stretched full-length. 

Mara's stubborn rearguard inspired by center halves Isaiah Otieno and Kelvin Kyalo surmounted Shabana's attempts for a second goal as a goal separated the two sides into the break. 

Mara upper their ante in the second with their relentless attacks culminating in Mita's equalizer ten minutes after the resumption before of play and Yusuf Baraza made the most of Shabana backline's indecisiveness to fire home the winner on stoppage time. 

Mara head coach Geoffrey Naibei lauded his charges for their resilience terming their latest conquest as an indicator of their potential had they been more consistent so far this season. 

"We have played a good game and I feel today's outcome confirms our abilities as a group. 

"Things have not got according to plan for us this season but with more consistency we can achieve more next season."

His Shabana counterpart Sammy Okoth lamented a bad day in the office for their latest slump challenging his players to make amends to their shortcomings before their crunch tie against Murang'a SEALS. 

"We started well but our lapse in concentration brought them back into the game. 

"It's normal to lose matches but we can only learn to be better versions of ourselves if we are to come back."

Saturday Results 


Coastal Heroes 0-2 Kibera Black Stars

Mwatate United 0-1 Fortune Sacco

Gusii 0-1 APS Bomet

Muhoroni Youth 2-0 Dandora love ( walk over)

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Shabana FC

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