Shabana maintained their fine form in the National Super League after a hard-fought 1-0 win over visiting Naivas on Wednesday at Gusii Stadium.
Evergreen lanky midfielder Peter Ogechi nodded home Shabana’s lone goal in the first half. He rose highest to head Isaac Otieno’s corner past Robert Ouma in the Naivas goal.
Ogechi increased his goal tally this season to 11 and is on course for the NSL golden boot. Nyamwai Beja of SS Assad leads the goal scorers chart with 14 goals.
It was a game of few chances as Shabana goalkeeper Mustafah Oduor and Naivas counterpart Ouma remained untroubled. Following the win, Shabana maintained the top spot in the second-tier league with 54 points.
“It was a very tactical game. I congratulate Shabana on the win. They got one chance and converted,” said Naivas coach Elvis Ayany.
On his part, Shabana coach Sammy Okoth said: “I thank God for the win. It was a hard-fought win and we appreciate it. Tactically, our plan worked and we appreciate the three points.”
He added: “For us to maintain the top position, we have to win and that’s what we have done today. Naivas came for revenge and we had to be careful about how we approached the game.”
On his part, Shabana coach Sammy Okoth said: “I thank God for the win. It was a hard-fought win and we appreciate it. Tactically, our plan worked and we appreciate the three points.”
However, Ayany and Okoth bemoaned the pathetic state of the Gusii Stadium playground and asked the Kisii County government to do something about it.
“The field is not playable. We did not play our game because the ground was in a poor state. The county government should do something because the fans want to enjoy the game,” said Ayany.
Okoth said: “We were like visitors in our own playground because we were not even allowed to train here before the game. The field hosted rugby over the weekend and it was pathetic.”
Migori Youth remained third on the log after a narrow 2-1 win over Mara Sugar at Migori Stadium.
Robert Ouma and Kelvin Haggai scored for the hosts while Philemon Nyakwaka scored Mara Sugar’s consolation. Migori has so far garnered 41 points from 23 matches.
