Vihiga deal Shabana second straight loss

Shabana FC slumped to their second straight defeat in the National Super League (NSL) after surrendering 2-0 to home side Vihiga United at the Mumias Sports Complex on Wednesday.

Two first half goals from Christopher Masinza in the 12th and Michael Misingo in the 28th minutes of the game saw the Gusii based giants follow up their 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Bidco United with another crushing blow against Edward Manoah charges.

The result left Shabana rock-bottom while Vihiga rose to fifth on 20 points, four adrift of leaders Nakumatt FC with Nzoia FC (24), Agro Chemicals (23) and Zoo Kericho (22) trailing in that order.

“Our boys tried their level best but lacked goals to complement their attacking effort. Our striking was not at par. We are challenged to work on our finishing ,” Shabana team manager, Andrew Kanuli emphasised.

The Gusii based side are reported to be negotiating with a betting firm to take up title sponsorship after their initial talks with transport firm, Transline collapse as they seek to gain a financial foothold in the second-tier.

After being reinstated to the NSL by a Sports Tribunal ruling, Shabana almost lost their slot before Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko came to their rescue on the final day of the Football Kenya Federation deadline to register when he offset the Ksh70,000 balance.

Manoah’s boys Vihiga who saw off Wazito FC last Saturday in a seven goal thriller have recovered from a wobble to sustain their promotion chase and they will hardly find more obliging opponents than their visitors on Wednesday.

Shabana continue with their marathon catch-up with the rest of the NSL when they visit Agro on Saturday in another encounter set to continue their baptism of fire in the league.

Peter Nzuki’s 60th minute goal fired Nakumatt to the top of the standings following their 1-0 victory over KCB FC ahead of Nzoia who did not play over the weekend as Agro moved up to third following a similiar victory away at Nairobi Stima.