Kenyan coach helps Tanzanian club spoil Shabana party as Leopards shine against Zanzibar side

FKF Premier League side Shabana FC marked their first-ever Shabana Day with a 5-4 loss to Tanzanian Premier League outfit Pamba Jiji at Gusii Stadium on Sunday.

The visitors, coached by former Kakamega Homeboyz tactician Francis Baraza, spoiled the party after winning the post-match penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in regular time.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

The contest got off to a blistering start with the hosts drawing first blood just two minutes in, courtesy of Harambee Stars forward Brian Michira.

However, the lead was short-lived as Pamba Jiji responded almost immediately, restoring parity in the fourth minute through Shaphan Oyugi to set the tone for an end-to-end battle.

Both sides traded chances throughout the opening half, but resolute defending and missed opportunities ensured the match went into the break finely poised at 1-1.

On resumption, the visitors took control early in the second half, converting from the penalty spot just five minutes after the restart through Ugandan forward Peter Lwassa.

McKinstry backs McCarthy despite Gambia’s 3–1 win over Harambee Stars

Shabana rallied in response and pushed forward in numbers,and their spirited fight ended in breakthrough when defender Kenneth Kunambi inadvertently turned the ball into his own net a minute from time, handing Shabana a 2-2 lifeline heading into the final stages of regular time.

A late push forced the game into a penalty shootout, where Shabana’s David Odoyo, Gilbert Abala ,Derrick Otieno, and Victor Omondi converted their spot kicks.

AFC Leopards go on spending spree in FKFPL transfer deadline day

Kevin Musamali faltered from the spot, with the miss proving costly as Pamba Jiji clinically dispatched all their penalties through James Mwashinga, Brian Eshihanda, Abdoulaye Yonta, Kelvin Nashon, and Abdallah ‘Sebo’ Kheri, sealing the win.

The defeat did little to dampen the celebratory mood of the day as Shabana officially unveiled their 14 new signings to the fans.

The fresh faces include; Caleb Omondi (Gor Mahia), David Obasanjo (Kisumu All Stars), KCB trio of Victor Omondi, Derrick Otieno, and Danson Kiprono , Kevin Musamali (Bidco United), David Odoyo (Tusker), Byron Otieno (Kariobangi Sharks), Eric Otieno (FC Talanta), Henry Obino (Murang’a Seal), Wycliffe Omondi (Nairobi City Stars), Justus Munika from Naivas FC, Brian Olega, and Nsumbuga Bronson.

Why Salim Babu is unfazed by Nairobi City Stars’ delayed NSL preparations

Meanwhile, across the capital at Dandora Stadium, fellow FKF Premier League giants AFC Leopards registered a morale-boosting 4-2 win over Zanzibar Premier League side New Kings FC.

Forward Hassan Beja bagged a brace, while Kennedy Odhiambo and new signing Samuel Ssenyonjo also got on the scoresheet.

The clash also provided a platform for Ingwe to showcase their own reinforcements, headlined by: Rami Lasso Coulibaly from Morocco’s Chabab Alam Tanger, Samuel Ssenyonjo from Express FC, Brian Ojok Nyongesa from Soy United, and Elias Mugane, last season’s NSL golden boot winner.

Musingu High School star set for European move after KCSE

Leopards further paraded promising academy graduates Samuel Ambale Kusindi, Jamal Obeid, and Deng Kang, underlining their commitment to blending experience with youth.