Tusker have lost a chance to go on top of the FKF Premier League standings after a defeat to Shabana.
Shabana returned to winning ways in the FKF Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tusker at the Gusii Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Dennis Okoth and Ezekiah Omuri, either side of halftime, secured the win for Shabana who bounced back impressively from their recent loss to Mathare United.
The victory saw Shabana climb to fifth place on the log, while Tusker missed a golden opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the standings.
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The game commenced at a timid pace at the Gusii Stadium while Shabana looked lively during the first five minutes.
James Mazembe produced the first notable scoring chance of the match after he forced Brian Opondo into making a save following a right-footed shot from the middle of the 18-yard-area.
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After weathering a slight storm at the start of the match, Tusker began seeing more of the ball with the likes of John Njuguna and James Kibande dictating matters in the middle of the park.
Tusker broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when Thomas Omole delivered a peach of a ball with a free kick to the back post that Charles Momanyi nodded it brilliantly home.
Shabana battled to infiltrate the Tusker backline midway through the first half as they pressed forward in a bid to find an equalizer.
Ezekiah Omuri came close to getting his name on the scoresheet at the half-hour mark after Shabana progressed the ball upfield. However, while the ball fell kindly to his feet inside the area, the attacker fluffed his lines and saw his effort go wide off the mark.
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Courtesy of Shabana FC
The hosts created some of the better chances in the closing stages of the first half, namely through Bryan Michira and Mark Okola, as they pushed forward with urgency. Their persistence paid off at the stroke of halftime when Dennis Okoth managed to level the matters with a well-taken finish, following a brilliant assist from Bryan Michira.
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The Brewers’ early lead was canceled out, and the teams went into the break locked at 1-1.
Tusker immediately assumed possession of the ball after the restart, showing their intent following coach Charles Okere’s halftime team talk.
However, Tusker had to make an early change as John Njuguna, who picked up an injury, was replaced by Emmanuel Mwangi.
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Despite the adjustment, Tusker remained alert and continued to press while staying wary of counterattacks from the hosts.
Shabana attacked in numbers, and Mark Okola tried to beat Brian Opondo from range, but the experienced keeper parried the ball away just after the hour mark.
The Brewer’s defense was solid and compact as Elvis Ochieng also tried his luck from distance, but his low effort was well-saved by Brian Opondo.
Shabana keeper then spilled a cross from David Odoyo, but James Mwangi reacted slowly to the ball, allowing the Glamour Boys to clear their lines in the closing stages.
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With eight minutes remaining, star boy Ezekiah Omuri secured the winning goal for Shabana with a brilliant assist from Austine Odongo.
The hosts held firm in the closing moments to claim a well-deserved victory on a sunny afternoon.
How they lined up:
Shabana starting XI: Maxwell Muchesia, George Onyango, Kevin Omundi, Bryan Michira, Ezekiah Omuri, Samuel Maiko, Mark Okola, Sam Kintu, Dennis Okoth, James Mazembe, Elvis Ochieng.
Tusker starting XI: Brian Opondo, Charles Momanyi, George Kaddu, Erick Balecho, Fabian Adikiny, James Kibande, David Odoyo, Thomas Omole, Collins Odhiambo, John Njuguna, Thomas Omenda.
