NSL: Shabana floor All-Stars to keep alive promotion ambition
National Super League giants Shabana overcame struggling
Kisumu All Stars 2-1 at the William Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok on Thursday
afternoon to keep alive their slim chance of securing promotion to the
FKF-Premier League next season via a playoff.
The glamor boys raced to a 2-0 advantage early in the first
half thanks to quick-fire goals from Brian Michira and Vincent Nyabuto in the
ninth and twelfth minutes, respectively, and held on to prevail 2-1 at the
final whistle.
Enjoying the benefit of the passionate support of their home
fans, Shabana dominated the first half and managed to turn their dominance into
a goal when a quick link-up play between Muhammed Yusuf and Vincent Nyabuto
freed talisman Brian Michira at the left side of the box who then fired home
coolly with his right foot to make it 1-0.
Nyabuto doubled Shabana’s lead two minutes later with a
fierce shot from six yards that flew past hapless Kisumu All-Stars shot stopper
Felix Adoyo to find the back of the net.
In the second half, All Stars halved their deficit thanks to
Gravins Juma’s 52-minute penalty, but their bid for a comeback was futile as
the hosts held on to secure all points on offer.
Despite being rattled twice in quick succession, All Stars
maintained their poise and threatened for an equalizer at the half-hour
mark, but Shabana goalkeeper Frank Lazare dived full-length to parry wide Rolix
Ouma’s effort.
Shabana tactician Sammy Okoth lauded his charges for
maintaining their promotion prospects while imploring them to maintain their
momentum in the remaining two matches.
“We started well, and I am glad we protected our lead
despite their attempt for a comeback.
“This win is important since it keeps us in contention for
promotion. Our ambition is to win the remaining two matches to stand a chance.”
Their latest conquest saw them maintain their fifth position
on the log on 56 points behind Muhoroni Youth, Fortune Sacco, Murang’a Seal,
and champions-elect APS Bomet. They will now aim to garner maximum points from
their last two matches against Murang’a Seal and Muhoroni Youth.
His Kisumu All-Stars counterpart Charles Bruno rued their
poor show to fatigue but promised a better display when they take on Naivas
United on Monday.
“I am satisfied with how we played today even though we were
on the losing end. I am confident that we are growing as a team.
“On Monday I expect better results against Naivas because we
will be at home.”
Bruno is confident his side will not be drawn into the
relegation dogfight in the remaining two matches.
Elsewhere Murang’a Seal dislodged Fortune Sacco from number
two on the log thanks to their 3-1 thumping of struggling Mombasa Elite at the
Mbaraki Sports ground.
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