“Kwa kweli Shabana ya mwaka huu si ya kawaida. Ni ya tofauti kabisa,” has been a common phrase by Azam TV commentator Ali Salim whenever he presides over a game involving the Glamour Boys.True to his words, Shabana is indeed different this season as at this point in the last campaign, they were fighting for survival while this season they are chasing the bigwigs in the FKF Premier League.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsMurang’a Seal will have a second test against Tore Bobe when they make a 386km trip from Murang’a to the dreaded Gusii Stadium in a round 25 fixture.##NAJAVA_MECA_8812237##The reverse fixture saw the Glamour Boys walk away with bragging rights courtesy of Mathew Tegisi’s solo strike in the 61st minute. With the striker now playing for Pamba Jiji in the NBC Tanzanian Premier League, Peter Okidi’s charges will need to look elsewhere for inspiration heading into this fixture.Both teams are struggling for form, with the hosts managing just one win in their last five fixtures. The visitors, on the other hand, are winless in their last five games and face a tough challenge at a ground where Shabana has not lost since November 3, 2024, when they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Nairobi City Stars.Despite their recent struggles, their league standings paint contrasting pictures. Shabana sits sixth with 34 points, while Murang’a Seal has accumulated 24 points—just one above the relegation playoff zone.Kenyan goalkeeper keen on sealing continental football with South African club*Tactical Expectations*Okidi usually sets his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with tactical execution and personnel varying from game to game.The defensive line remains relatively unchanged, with Maxwell Mulili a constant figure in goal. James Mazembe and Elvis Osok typically operate as fullbacks, while Mark Okola and George Onyango form the central defensive partnership.In midfield, Okidi makes adjustments depending on the opposition. Against stronger teams, he prioritizes defensive solidity by pairing Sam Kintu and Justine Omwando, who excel out of possession. Keith Imbali operates as the creative force in the No. 10 role, while Brian Michira is shifted to the wing.Given Murang’a Seal’s recent struggles, Okidi is likely to field a more attacking setup. Imbali may pivot the midfield alongside Omwando, with Michira playing in the attacking midfield role. Ezekiel Omuri and Darius Msagha will likely feature as wingers as Shabana aims for maximum points.Shabana plays a direct style of football, emphasizing wing play and set-piece situations. Their latest goal came from a set-piece, and the same strategy is expected in this match.Michira plays a key role in drawing fouls in dangerous areas due to his pace and dribbling ability. Shabana has several capable set-piece takers, with Msagha excelling in long-range efforts, while Michira and Imbali are more effective from closer range.##NAJAVA_MECA_812416##In Okidi’s system, the fullbacks have the license to overlap, creating wide overloads to outnumber the opposition. Mazembe excels in this role, and Osok has been following suit.However, this approach leaves Shabana vulnerable in defensive transitions. Osok’s flank has been a particular weak spot, a concern Okidi raised after their match against AFC Leopards. Murang’a Seal will likely target this space as a potential route to goal.Imbali has been crucial for Shabana since his arrival, offering both creativity and goal-scoring prowess through intelligent positioning and movement. His presence has significantly improved Shabana’s attacking fluidity in the second leg of the season.Murang’a Seal also deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation and rely heavily on wing play for their attacking build-up.With Shabana’s overlapping fullbacks, Murang’a Seal will look to exploit the spaces left behind. Victor Haki and Joe Waithira are skillful dribblers who can cause problems if given time and space. Both are capable goal scorers, meaning Shabana must be cautious of their attacking threat.However, Murang’a Seal has struggled in both goal-scoring and defensive aspects, boasting one of the worst records in the league. While they also utilize overlapping fullbacks, the quality of their final ball has often been lacking—an area they must improve on if they are to secure a positive result at Gusii Stadium.Another area of concern for Murang’a Seal is their midfield. They lack physical presence in the center of the park, and while Dennis Odhiambo brings experience and technical ability, his stamina is not what it once was. Up against Omwando, he may struggle physically, which could severely impact Murang’a Seal’s ability to control the game.AFC Leopards’ Miheso embraces pressure ahead of Mashemeji DerbyFinal TakeShabana heads into this fixture with a stronger league position and home advantage, making them slight favorites. Their direct style, reliance on set-pieces, and attacking fullbacks give them multiple routes to goal. However, defensive transitions remain a weakness that Murang’a Seal will aim to exploit.For Murang’a Seal, their lack of firepower and defensive frailties make this a tough assignment. They will need to maximize their counter-attacking opportunities and improve their delivery in the final third to stand a chance.With both teams desperate to turn their form around, this promises to be a tactical battle where efficiency in front of goal and defensive discipline will likely determine the outcome.
