Shabana out to claim NSL title at Murang’s Seal’s backyard as Migori seek to keep pace with Mara Sugar for playoff spot

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NSL Shabana out to claim NSL title at Murang’s Seal’s backyard as Migori seek to keep pace with Mara Sugar for playoff spot

Joel Omotto 07:30 - 02.07.2023

The Glamour Boys need to avoid defeat in Murang’a to be crowned champions while Migori must win to narrow the gap with third-placed Mara Sugar

Shabana will claim the National Super League title if they avoid defeat away to second-placed Murang’a Seal during their high-stakes game at St Sebastian Park on Sunday.

The Glamour Boys  lead the standings with 70 points, five ahead of Murang’a with two matches to go, and a draw will see them claim the title in the second-tier league with a match to spare.

Shabana have been untouchable this season and go into the game on the back of an 11-match unbeaten run, having won 10 while drawing just one over that period, giving their fans plenty of belief that they will get the result they need to seal the title.

Sammy Okoth’s men seem undeterred whether playing home or away and will be confident of finishing the job given they beat Murang’a 2-0 in the corresponding fixture.

With both sides already promoted to the FKF Premier League, it is just a tussle for the title with Murang’a facing a must-win match for them to take the battle to the final day.

Meanwhile, the fight for the promotion playoff spot is down to two teams Mara Sugar and Migori Youth. Mara Sugar occupy the coveted third place with 57 points, four ahead of Migori but have played two games more than their rivals.

It, therefore, means Mara Sugar cannot afford any slip ups while Migori must win their two games in hand to assume third position which will give them a chance to play Wazito FC in the playoff.

With Mara not in action this weekend, Migori can narrow the gap to just one point with victory away to seventh-placed Darajani Gogo who have lost their last two games.

That would put pressure on their rivals ahead of their midweek meeting with Mwatate United in Wundanyi.

In other fixtures lined up on Sunday, Gusii United, who are eyeing a fifth-place finish, are away to MCF as Kisumu All Stars host Kibera Black Stars.

Vihiga United are at home to Mwatate, Mombasa Elite host Naivas FC while struggling Silibwet play host to Coastal Heroes.

NSL Sunday fixtures:

Kisumu Allstars vs Kibera Black Stars (3pm Moi Stadium)

Silibwet vs Coastal Heroes (3pm Silibwet Stadium)

Darajani Gogo vs Migori Youth (3pm Camp Toyoyo)

Mombasa Elite vs Naivas (3pm Mbaraki Sports Club)

Vihiga United vs Mwatate United (3pm Mumias Complex)

MCF vs Gusii (3pm Kenyatta Stadium)

Murang’a Seal vs Shabana (3pm St Sebastian Park)