The headlines were still being written about how Shabana were comfortably seeing out an unprecedented league double over Tusker until Eric Balecho rose highest in their box to head in a late equalizer, seeing both teams settle for a 1-1 draw at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Wednesday 26 February.For much of the game, Tusker were writing the wrong stuff about themselves; going for their fourth consecutive match without a goal, before the former Murang’a Seal man connected to a long throw from George Kaddu to steal a point with just a minute of regulation left.FULL TIME in Machakos.A great fight from the boys, but the comeback falls short. #KenyaMilele #GameNiYetu pic.twitter.com/GH9EZ4kbpO— Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) February 26, 2025 Shabana, after a strong start to the rescheduled fixture, took the lead in the first half through their new signing Keith Imbali, and were guilty of missing a dozen chances in the second period, ultimately conceding the late goal to go four matches without a win.Tusker, on the other hand, failed to go top of the standings after registering their fourth consecutive draw, and trail leaders Kenya Police by a point.BREAKING: Blow to AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia as Mashemeji Derby postponed once againThings never got ticking for Charles Okere’s slow, blunt side as they failed to gain a foothold in this fixture, only launching sporadic attacks that failed to threaten Shabana’s backline.Alex Onchwari and Chrispine Erambo should have done better with their headers in the first 15 minutes, while striker Ryan Ogam could have added more fire to his long-range strike.##NAJAVA_MECA_8736122##Perhaps unsurprising, it only took Maxwell Mulili’s long-punt to carve apart the Tusker rearguard, Brian Michira taking Kaddu for a stroll before feeding Imbali for a low strike that squeezed past two closing defenders and into the net.That was Imbali’s first goal in a Shabana shirt, and was wildly celebrated by the travelling fanbase, who could have left their seats once more after Michira controlled another Mulili long kick before firing wide.Ogam, who once again fluffed his lines with a late first-half header cued by David Odoyo, was hooked off at halftime for rookie David Polepole – that offering just a small glimpse to their recent misfortunes.Ryan Ogam has not found the back of the net for Tusker FC since his move to Algeria fell through.Today, he was substituted at halftime (uncertain if due to injury).Sometimes holding onto players who want to leave can be counterproductive.#FootballKE— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) February 26, 2025 The second half offered up chances for Shabana to put the game to bed, but Vincent Nyabuto had a wide open chance at goal blocked, while substitutes Darius Msagha and Kevin Omundi both spurned opportunities in the closing moments.Those missed opportunities came to bite them hard late on, a point not enough for either side.##NAJAVA_MECA_8736196##Mathare hold KCBElsewhere at St. Sebastian Park, Mathare United struck late to force a 1-1 draw with KCB.KCB, who remained fourth, got into the lead after 23 minutes through Patrick Otieno, but Cetric Asango headed in an 83rd minute corner to salvage a point for the Slum Boys.⏹️ Full TimeKCB 1️⃣-1️⃣ Mathare#KCBMAT#Believe #LionHearted 🦁 pic.twitter.com/2Wm8MZ2eFP— KCB Football Club (@KCBFootball) February 26, 2025 The result saw John Kamau’s side importantly go four points clear of the red zone.
