Struggling Shabana face tough challenge against Bandari as Bidco target Ulinzi scalp

FKFPL Struggling Shabana face tough challenge against Bandari as Bidco target Ulinzi scalp

Festus Chuma 08:45 - 05.11.2023

Shabana seeks turnaround against Bandari amidst struggles, while Bidco aims to conquer Ulinzi Stars in Kenyan Premier League clashes.

Shabana FC will face a significant hurdle as they go head-to-head with Bandari FC in an anticipated showdown of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League at Mbaraki Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

With a challenging streak hanging over their heads, having not savored victory in their last two league matches, Shabana's resolve is put to the test.

The recent 1-0 setback against Gor Mahia on November 1st has intensified the pressure on the team, which has seen better days.

Today’s encounter is not just a match; it is a flashback to a rivalry that has been on a 17-year hiatus, following Shabana's return to the top-tier league.

Known colloquially as Tore Bobe, Shabana's league campaign has been less than ideal, with a mere seven points out of a possible 27.

Their last away outing resulted in a 4-0 trouncing at the hands of Ulinzi Stars, a game that highlighted their defensive frailties.

With six goals to their name but twice as many conceded, it's clear that Shabana’s defense is where the battle could be won or lost.

In contrast, Bandari FC step into the fray on a high note, buoyed by their narrow 3-2 triumph over Kenya Police.

Their season's tally stands at four wins out of nine, a testament to their balanced approach to the game with an almost even goal difference.

The stats paint a telling picture: in their last six fixtures, Bandari have bagged two wins, suffered three losses, and held their ground in one draw.

Sunday's football fest continues with another gripping face-off as Murang'a Seal gear up to challenge Tusker at the Sportpesa Arena.

For Tusker's coach, Matano, this game could either be a stepping stone to redemption or a pitfall that adds to the growing pressure.

Not far behind in the league’s action-packed schedule, Ulinzi Stars are set to host Bidco United at Ulinzi Complex.

Bidco’s coach, Antony Akhulia, is not one to mince his words. Fresh off a 3-0 win over Muhoroni, he is all about maintaining momentum.

"We hope the team will maintain their current level of performance. Ulinzi Stars is a strong team, and our matches with them are always highly competitive. Considering they will have the home advantage, we will strive to achieve a positive outcome from the match,” he confidently stated in an interview with Pulse Sports.

Meanwhile, in Muhoroni, the local Youth will host the Kakamega Homeboyz in a match that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Charles Odera, the strategic mind guiding Muhoroni Youth, remains upbeat.

"Home ground doesn't guarantee victory, but we're learning from past matches and aiming to rectify our approach," Odera confidently stated in an interview with Pulse Sports.

The grand finale of the day's actions will see Gor Mahia, the powerhouse of Kenyan football, welcome Kenya Police to Kasarani.

Expectations are sky-high as fans eagerly anticipate what is expected to be a nail-biting encounter between two of the league's most formidable forces.  

Sunday fixtures:  

Murang'a Seal v Tusker (SportPesa Arena, Murang'a)

 Posta Rangers v KCB (Kasarani Annex) 

Muhoroni Youth v Kakamega Homeboyz (Muhoroni)

 Gor Mahia v Kenya Police (Kasarani) 

Ulinzi Stars v Bidco United (Ulinzi Complex) 

Bandari v Shabana (Mbaraki)

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