Kisumu All Stars beat 10-man Shabana FC 1-0 at the Moi Stadium on Saturday to put to an end their three-match winning streak in the National Super League. The table toppers approached the game against a backdrop of three back to back wins and a healthy nine-point gap at the helm, but they were stopped by a spirited Otenga. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7125749##Willis Otendah netted the lone goal in the 32nd minute, firing past goalkeeper Ongiri Derick, as his teammates protested what looked like a foul.The goal was a perfect reward for a bright start to the game which saw Laban Otieno miss a clear cut chance in the first minute of the game. His attempted lob at the keeper got cleared off the line by George Onyango as Shabana survived. Cagey play followed, both teams cautious and with a reason.Highly-rated Owino yearning for Gor Mahia debut after club was cleared to sign new playersAt the half hour mark, All Stars skipper Frederick Omollo went into the referee’s book for a rough challenge on David Kalama, this being a result of the visitors’ relentless pressing. As if in response to Shabana’s growing attacks, Willis Otendah picked up the ball in the next minute and struck from 35 yards, giving no chance to Ongiri in goal as All Stars took the lead inside 34 minutes. It would stay this way till the break. The second half would begin with Shabana on the higher ascendancy. All Stars center-back Brian Ombura was booked for a rough challenge as the visitors pressed for the equaliser. Fulltime: Kisumu All Stars 1-0 Shabana Fc Bad day in office, we will bounce back.— Shabana Fc Kenya (@Shabanafckenya) March 25, 2023 With the pressure mounting, the hosts went down at every challenge in a bid to kill the time.This would work well till the hour mark when coach Andrew Aroka brought in fresh legs with Dismas Amunga being rested in favour of Japheth Odoke. Shabana skipper Bernard Otieno would see red on 80 minutes and with his side trailing, the closing stages of the tie looked bleak for the visitors. Firat explains omission of Sweden-based Timothy Ouma, hints at why Omala was droppedDavid Kalama’s effort came close in the 82nd minute as ten man Shabana kept their heads up but this would come to naught thanks to Felix Ouma in goal for Kisumu All Stars.All Stars’ tactical discipline in the closing stages against ten men would prove superior, Shabana recording just their third loss of the season but yet, staying on top of the NSL table standings. Additional reporting by Bonface Osano.
