NSL: Shabana, Sony Sugar fire blanks in Narok

Shabana FC failed to capitalize on their home advantage and move into the top three on the National Super League (NSL), after settled for a 0-0 draw against minnows Sony Sugar on Wednesday at Narok Stadium.

Billed as the game of the mid-week given the close proximity between the two sides geographically and many of Shabana’s former players turning out for Sony, the match was tense as no side was willing to surrender their bragging rights.

Shabana started strongly but failed to capitalize on the few chances created as their opponents limited them to only two shots on target.

Speedster Mohammed Koulibally was the thorn on Sony’s flesh as his trickery and technical ability helped side threaten but neither of their striking pair of John Musyoka and Byram Migori could convert all chances created.

Their best chance of the game came two minutes into the break when marksman John Musyoka forced Sony shot stopper Dennis Ayusa to parry wide his shot from a set piece five yards from the area for a corner.

Sony were the dominant side in the second half with their midfield pair of Peter Ogechi and Maike Samwel orchestrating their attacks but Shabana’s rearguard proved impervious as they held on for a point.

Shabana assistant coach Kevin Momanyi attributed his side’s poor show in the second half to fatigue, also pointing out the two teams close ties as the major reason for the shared spoils.

“Almost all players who turned out for Sony are our former players so they understand how we play. However we’re not making excuses for out lethargic attacking. We need to work on out attacking so that we improve on our next game,” he told Citizen Digital.

Sony head coach Kassim Junior who joined the team a week ago lauded his charges for their impressive intensity and dedication throughout the game, adding that they will only get better.

“Am happy with what I have seen today because everyone has improved greatly since I came here a week ago. I would like to use today’s result as the baseline going forward.”

Shabana will take on Migori youth in their next encounter while Sony will taste their improving form against Murang’a SEAL on Saturday.