Shabana frustrate dominant City Stars in Machakos

Shabana FC arguably produced their best performance under new head coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos against Nairobi City Stars, but they failed to make that count as the game ended 0-0.

This tepid result marked their sixth draw of the season, leaving them 17th in the standings with 18 points from 20 matches, two points deep in the relegation zone.

Certainly, the result did not go as planned, with both teams finishing the match with ten men – but the performance was nearly perfect after facing criticism from their fans.

Sammy Omollo made several changes, as only eight players who started against Ulinzi Stars kept their places in the starting line-up.

Bernard Otieno and Enock Agwanda replaced Maneno Lamela and Vincent Naybuto as Shabana sought for their fifth win of the season.

On the other hand, Nicholas Muyoti made five changes to the team which lost to AFC Leopards in their previous outing.

Calvin Opollo, Edwin Buliba, Elvis Noor, Mohamed Ali and Robinson Asemwa were relegated to the bench as Simba wa Nairobi looked to return to winning ways.

City Stars dominated possession from the start, but the hosts found it difficult to unlock Shabana defense and test goalkeeper MUstapha Oduor.

The visitors grew into the match and they came close to scoring when Justin Omwando  headed over the crossbar with only City Stars keeper Edwin Mukolwe to beat with the home side's defence exposed.

Oduor was finally tested by Samuel Kapen  from a set-piece and the custodian made a comfortable save at the near post.

Both teams created chances with the half-time break approaching as Brian Michira forced Mukolwe into a save from a set-piece, before City Stars  defender Rawland Makati  hit the crossbar with a header.

The score was 0-0 at half-time with the two teams having failed to take their chances.

Much like the beginning of the first half,  City Stars got off to a flier in the second 45, creating a couple of goal-scoring opportunities in the process.

However, the visitors looked dangerous on the counter and Nyabuto's goal-bound effort was brilliantly finger-tipped over the crossbar by former AFC Leopards keeper Mukolwe.

As the hour mark arrived, Tore Bobe bossed the possession count and penned the home side in their own half on a number of occasions, as they made their attacking intent known.

Things heated up in the 65th minute when Newton Ochieng of City Stars was shown a straight red card, and similarly, Shabana's center-back Prince Ayieko also received a red card.

The game entered a tacky period ahead of the 80th minute mark, as  City Stars  and Shabana struggled to trouble each other’s penalty boxes. As far as the statistics were concerned, the  hosts had more attempts at goal, while Shabana had three shots on target.

It was a case of tired legs as the game came to a close, with a number of mistakes being made all around the pitch. The assistant referee indicated that five minutes were added on after regulation time as the home team pressed on in search of an opener.

 The referee called time on proceedings at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos as City Stars and Shabana were forced to share the spoils.

Nairobi City Stars:  Edwin Mukolwe, Rawland Makati, Dennis Wanjala, Wycliff Omondi, Timothy Muganda, Brian Mzee, Clifton Otieno, Vincent Owino, Samuel Kapen, Andrew Kisilu, Dennis Oalo

Shabana: Mustapha Oduor,Brian Magare, Prince Ayieko, George Onyango, Bernard Otieno, Mark Okola, Vincent Nyabuto, Justine Omwando, Enock Agwanda, Japhet Lihanda, Brian Michira 

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