Football: Shabana, Mahakama win Super League ties

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Shabana FC started their National Super Cup (NSL) campaigns on a sound note by edging resilient Finlays FC 1-0 at Kingfisher ground, Naivasha on Sunday.

Cornelius Juma put Shabana ahead in the 44th minute with a rasping header after converting Kevin Momanyi’s left cross.

“This is my best ever goal in a football match, it reminds me of the numerous thunderous headers I watch in the English Premier League every now and then, my wish is to carry on with the good run and hopefully make it to the top scorer list at the end of the season,” said an elated Juma.

The game was balanced at the start with both sides missing crucial scoring chances    but Shabana were able to pile pressure in the last two minutes of first half to get their solitary goal.

However, Shabana chairman Jared Nivaton who was pleased with the results, informed FeverPitch he has written a protest letter to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) concerning an official he claimed was not  qualified to officiate the match.

“We realised that one of the linesmen was actually a Finlays employee, this should never happen in future games because matches are supposed to be officiated and monitored by appointed independent officials,” said Nivaton.

The team resumed training on Monday at their base at Utalii ground along Thika Road, Nairobi, ahead of a crucial tie against Agro Chemicals this weekend. Agro Chemicals lost their opening match 1-0 against Busia United.

“Our match with Agro Chemicals will be staged at Gusii Stadium, Kisii this Sunday. We are stepping up training for this clash and nothing will hinder us from stopping our opponents. We urge all Shabana supporters to come out and support us on Sunday,” Nivaton said.

In other NSL weekend  matches, Mahakama edged Bidco 2-1 as Nairobi Stima hit  Modern Coast 1-0. Oserian beat Moyas 3-2 as GFE 105 beat Hotspring 1-0. St.Joseph  and West Sugar played to a one-all draw.  — [email protected]