Shabana edge Bandari with Michira screamer
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The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when Brian Michira netted the only goal of the match.
The forward latched onto a well-weighted pass from winger Bronson Nsubuga and buried a low shot into the bottom corner, securing Shabana's second win in as many games.
The visitors had the first real opportunity in the 15th minute through Jostine Omwando, whose shot was expertly saved by Bandari goalkeeper Allaine Ngeleka.
Bandari gradually grew into the game after the half-hour mark. Winger David Sakwa was particularly lively, weaving past two defenders before unleashing a powerful strike that grazed the outside of the post.
Shabana nearly got the lead in first-half stoppage time when Keith Imbali connected with an Ezekiah Omuri cross, but his header narrowly missed the target.
Bandari made a tactical substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Said Tsuma for young midfielder Izzadin Ramadan in an effort to gain control in the middle of the park.
Despite increasing the pressure after conceding, Bandari failed to find an equaliser. Key chances fell to Amza Mubarak and Sakwa, but neither could convert.
The home side’s hopes were further dampened in the final 10 minutes when youngster William Gitama was stretchered off with an injury. With all substitutions already used, Bandari was forced to finish the match with 10 men.
Speaking after the final whistle, Bandari head coach Ken Odhiambo lamented the missed opportunities.
"It was a game of chances. We missed ours, and they scored from theirs. Football punishes you if you don’t convert. We’ll fix our mistakes. This is a marathon, not a sprint. It's only the second match of the season," said Odhiambo.
On the other hand, Shabana FC head coach Peter Okidi was full of praise for his players and their preparation.
"Even the Bible says if you work hard, you will be rewarded, and that’s exactly what happened today. Everything we practised during the week was executed, and we got the result. The boys gave it their all," said Okidi.
Looking ahead, Bandari will host Murang’a Seal at Mbaraki in their next fixture, while Shabana face a tough test against Tusker FC in Round 3 of the KPL season.
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