Shabana grab late win over Mara Sugar in five-goal thriller

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NSL Shabana grab late win over Mara Sugar in five-goal thriller

16:20 - 30.04.2023

The Glamour Boys were looking to record their second successive league victory having defeated Vihiga United 6-0 away over the weekend.

In-form National Super League leaders Shabana kept a healthy buffer between them and closest pursuers after edging Mara Sugar 3-2 in a pulsating encounter at the Simeon Nyachae Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The result sees the Glamour Boys remain on top of the log with 48 points, while the Sugar Millers remain sixth on the log with 32 points.

Shabana hit the ground running and took the lead in the 16th minute when Peter Ongechi scored from the spot.

Victor Ngume went close to pulling the visitors level in the 35th minute, but his effort from a tight angle struck the frame of the goal with Shabana goalkeeper well beaten. 

With the half drawing to a close, the Sugar Millers found an equalizer courtesy of Mohamed Baraza just at the stroke of the halftime.

Mara came into the second stanza looking well organized and equalized in the 50th minute through a terrific strike from Brian Ochieng.

However, Shabana fought back, with Ongechi determined to grab his second goal of the game. Parity was restored in the 67th minute when Isaac Otieno slotted in Ongechi's cross, much to the dismay of the Mara players and technical team.

The two teams then pushed for a late winning goal in the closing proceedings, and it was Abisolom Aduda who grabbed it when he netted in the 82nd minute of the match when he headed home Major Delima's set-piece to seal Shabana's 3-2 win.

At Camp Toyoyo Grounds, Darajani Gogo took advantage of their home ground by beating SS Assad 2-0 in another highly entertaining affair.

The hosts controlled the ball in the opening minutes and found the lead in the 20th minute courtesy of Tito Rona’s close-range effort.

The second period started on an even higher tempo, with Hawks asserting their presence on the pitch, and they extended their lead through Nassur Ramadhani, who pounced on the rebound with four minutes remaining to the end of the match.

NSL results

Darajani Gogo 2-0 SS Assad

MCF 2-0 Silibwet Leons

Muranga 5-0 Kajiado FC

Shabana 3-2 Mara Sugar