Shabana coach vows to soldier on despite being stalled by Gusii

Shabana coach Sammy Okoth remains upbeat that his team will qualify for the Kenya Premier League despite being held to a disappointing barren draw by rivals Gusii FC in a Kisii Derby.

“Our dream is still valid because we are still second on the log with a game in hand. We shall continue fighting because we have to maintain the top two positions. We must go all out in the remaining games,” said the coach.

Commenting on their game against Gusii, a frustrated Okoth said: “We played the game for like 70 minutes because our opponents wasted a lot of time. They resorted to running down the clock by feigning injuries. Teams should not employ dirty tricks to get points.”

The tactician rued the first-half penalty miss by Peter Ogechi, who shot wide from the spot.

The penalty was awarded after Isaac Otieno was brought down in the area by Gusii captain Wycliffe Nyangechi.

Following the draw, Shabana remain second on the log with 60 points same as Murang’a Seal, who have a better goal difference. Shabana will play Migori Youth on Sunday next week.

At Shamu grounds in Kwale County, hosts SS Assad edged Vihiga United 1-0. Benja Nyamawi scored the all-important goal in the 55th minute to increase his tally to 17 same as top scorer Amos Kigadi of Vihiga United.

Migori Youth were awarded a walkover after Kibera Black Stars failed to travel for the game at Migori Stadium while at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, hosts Kisumu All Stars beat Naivas 2-1.

Mully Children’s Family (MCF) overcame Coastal Heroes 1-0 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. Mutuku James scored the lone goal for MCF. The hosts finished the game with 10 men after Wambua Lancelot was sent off for a second bookable offence.

On Monday, Francis Xavier’s fourth-placed Mara Sugar will be in Bomet for a clash against relegation-threatened Silibwet while Kajiado FC travel to Taita Taveta for an encounter against Mwatate United at Ildamat Stadium.

Newly-appointed coach Evans Mafuta will be looking for his first win on the pitch.