Pain at the Death as Shabana Fall in Awendo: MATCH REPORT

There is no crueler way to lose a football match than conceding in stoppage time during a midweek fixture.

For over 90 minutes, Shabana FC fought, defended, battled and looked set to leave Awendo Stadium with at least a point. Then came the heartbreak. A 90+3 minute winner from Mara Sugar FC handed the Glamour Boys a painful 1-0 defeat and left travelling supporters stunned.

The match itself was never a classic. It was tense, physical and tight from the first whistle. Chances were limited, tackles flew in and both sides struggled to find rhythm in the final third.

Shabana started steadily after kickoff, with Humphrey Obina involved early including a dangerous free kick in the 18th minute. Dizzo also took a knock midway through the first half, adding concern on a difficult afternoon.

At the break, it remained goalless and there was still belief that Shabana could push on in the second half.

Coach changes arrived early after halftime. Derrick Oketch, Justus Munika and Victor Otieno were introduced in the 51st minute as Shabana searched for energy and creativity going forward. Later, Brian Bett came on for Obina as the visitors tried to force a breakthrough.

But despite all the changes, the game remained stubbornly locked at 0-0.

Then came the sucker punch.

With four minutes added on, Mara Sugar found the decisive moment in the 90+3rd minute. a late goal that silenced Shabana hopes and sent the home crowd into celebration.

For Shabana, it continues a frustrating run of results. The Glamour Boys have now failed to score in four of their last five league matches:

• 1-0 loss vs Mara Sugar FC

• 0-0 vs Ulinzi Stars

• 1-0 loss vs Kenya Police

• 0-0 vs Kenya Police

• 1-0 loss vs Kakamega Homeboyz

That tells the story clearly. Defensively, Shabana are still competing in matches. But in attack, goals have completely dried up at the worst possible stage of the season.

The defeat leaves Shabana 5th on the SportPesa League table with 48 points after 31 matches, level with Nairobi United but behind on goal difference. Mara Sugar meanwhile move closer after a massive three points of their own.

Still, is the season over?

Shabana now turn attention to the next fixture against Bidco United on May 17 before clashes with Sofapaka and KCB to close the campaign. There is still a chance to finish strongly, but performances in front of goal must improve quickly.

As always, the fans had plenty to say after full time.

Some supporters chose encouragement despite the disappointment:

“We carry on. not the result we wanted but unto the next one”
@SirCollins056R

Others were far more frustrated:

“Bure sana Shabana” @ElvisKerabuAmen

“Hii ni team ya aibu tu” @kayo_cyrus

“Weuh, mambo gani hapo Awendo” @mcosewe_jnr

And of course, rival fans enjoyed the moment too:

“Sukari ni tamu tu kwa chingwe” @PAULWEKESA86128

Football moves quickly. One result can hurt badly, but another can change the mood again in a few days.

For now though, this one will sting.