Murang'a Seal stun Shabana to delay NSL title celebration as Migori stay in Playoff race

©Murang'a Seal

NSL Murang'a Seal stun Shabana to delay NSL title celebration as Migori stay in Playoff race

Festus Chuma 17:30 - 02.07.2023

Seal outshine the Glamour Boys in thrilling top-of the table clash as Migori Youth edge closer to promotion.

The destination of the 2022/2023 National Super League (NSL) will be decided on the final day of the season after Murang’a Seal beat Shabana 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

Shabana needed just a point to lay their hands on the metallic trophy but the disciplined Murang'a Seal under veteran coach Vincent Nyaberi would have none of it.

In another game of immense significance, Earnest Oyugi emerged as the hero for Migori Youth by scoring the lone goal of the match for a  vital victory that narrowed the gap between his team and Mara Sugar to just one point, making the race for promotion even more intense. 

At St. Sebastian Park, Murang’a Seal began the match brightly and they grabbed an early lead seven minutes into the game when Fabian Adikiny scored from close range to make it 1-0.

Shabana then pressed for the equalizing goal and in the 22nd minute Peter Ongechi nodded home a cross but it was ruled for an offside.

A good cross was played into the Seal box by Shabana forward Isaac Otile in the 28th minute, and Muranga keeper Wilson Nagmau caught the ball with ease.

Murang’a Seal looked dangerous every time they pushed forward and they managed to double their lead through Yusuf Ally in the 36th minute of the match.

The former SS Assad attacker made it 2-0 to Seal with a superb strike from distance, which curled into the top corner with Mustafa Oduor well-beaten.

Vincent Nyaberi’'s charges then pushed for more goals, but the Glamour Boys defence stood firm and the score remained 2-0 to Seal at half-time.

Shabana came close to pulling one back in the 55th minute as Nehemiah Onchiri finally had a shot but Gideon Were tracked back well to clear the striker's shot from danger.

The Glamour Boys continued pushing and they scored the goal in the 67th minute through a powerful header from George Onyango.

John Kiplagat should have put the game to bed after a mix up between Oduor and his defence which left the striker with the goal at his mercy. But he somehow missed the target, keeping Shabana in the game.

Shabana attacked in numbers, but they were left vulnerable at the back and they were nearly punished by Zwane, who was brilliantly denied by Kapini in the 72nd minute.

The home side Humphrey Obinna  introduced defender Motjeka Madisha in the closing stages of the game as Seal solidified their defense.

Ultimately, Murang’a Seal emerged 2-1 winners over Shabana  after containing the visitors  in the dying minutes of the match.

Elsewhere, Migori Youth beat Darajani Gogo 1-0 in a match played at Camp Toyoyo Grounds in Nairobi.

Earnest Oyugi scored the lone goal of the match in the 78th minute for the win that reduced the gap between them and Mara Sugar to one point.

NSL Sunday results

Kisumu Allstars 2-1 Kibera Black Stars 

Darajani Gogo 0-1 Migori Youth 

Mombasa Elite 2-2 Naivas 

Vihiga United 1-3 Mwatate United 

Silibwet Leons FC 2 -2 Coastal Heroes

MCF 2-1  Gusii 

Murang’a Seal 2-1 Shabana