Congolese forward's lone strike secures Shabana victory over Homeboyz

Shabana FC edged out Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 in a tightly contested FKF Premier League encounter staged at Gusii Stadium, with Asis Batshi’s first-half strike proving decisive in a pulsating clash.

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The Congolese forward struck at the half-hour mark to hand the Kisii-based side maximum points in a match that carried significant implications in the race for top positions as the league edges closer to its conclusion.

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Both sides approached the fixture with urgency and intent.

Homeboyz, who came into the match sitting third on 46 points, were targeting victory to cut the gap on second-placed AFC Leopards, while Shabana, placed fifth on 43 points prior to kickoff, were equally keen on closing in on the leading pack.

The match burst into life from the onset, with the hosts dictating tempo in search of an early breakthrough.

Just five minutes in, Batshi nearly capitalised on a defensive lapse, latching onto a loose ball following a miscommunication in the Homeboyz backline.

His audacious lob beat goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala but rattled the crossbar.

The Kakamega-based side responded swiftly, with Oliver Machaka coming close in the 10th minute after neat interplay involving John Omondi, but his backheel effort was comfortably gathered by Shabana custodian Stephen Ochieng.

Moments later, Peter Thiong’o threatened from a set-piece delivery, only for Shabana skipper George Onyango to produce a crucial block.

The hosts continued to press, with Danson Kiprono and Brian Michira both going close in quick succession, the latter guilty of missing a clear chance with only the keeper to beat.

Homeboyz also had their moments, with Erick Okutu narrowly missing the target after a dangerous delivery from Moses Mudavadi.

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Shabana’s persistence eventually paid off just past the half-hour mark.

A well-worked move initiated by Derrick Otieno saw the ball switched to the right flank, where Michira outmuscled his marker before teeing up Batshi.

The forward showed composure to beat his man and slot past Wanzala, handing the hosts a deserved lead.

The visitors nearly found an immediate response, with Mudavadi testing Ochieng from range, while Machaka and Okutu both threatened before the break.

Shabana, however, could have doubled their advantage late in the half, but Michira’s close-range effort was well handled by Wanzala, leaving the score at 1-0 heading into the interval.

On resumption, Homeboyz emerged with renewed urgency.

Substitute Samuel Odaro came close to levelling matters, while Rodgers Ouma and later Derick Otanga both forced crucial interventions from Ochieng as the visitors piled on pressure.

Despite the sustained attacking waves, Shabana remained resolute at the back, with timely defensive actions, including a vital clearance by Potiphar Odhiambo, preserving their slender lead.

Batshi and Michira continued to pose a threat on the counter, with the former narrowly missing from a set-piece delivery at the hour mark.

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In the closing stages, Homeboyz threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but their efforts proved futile as Shabana held firm to secure all three points in front of their home supporters.

The victory sees Shabana climb to 46 points, drawing level with Homeboyz and tightening the race in the upper tier of the standings.

For the Kakamega-based side, it was a missed opportunity to close the gap on AFC Leopards, as the battle for top positions intensifies in the final stretch of the season.