BETTING GUIDE: Shabana Vs Sofapaka, match preview, team news and betting tip
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 16.01.26. | 12:12
Recent meetings strongly favour Shabana. From the last four league encounters, Shabana have won three and lost one
Gusii Stadium will yet again come alive this Saturday as Shabana FC aim to strengthen their top-four ambitions against a struggling Sofapaka FC side in Round 17 of the FKF Premier League, with kick-off scheduled for 2 PM.
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Shabana come into this fixture placed 4th on the league table with 24 points from 16 matches, firmly in the chasing pack behind leaders Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.
Their most recent outing saw them frustrate Gor Mahia to a disciplined 0-0 draw, underlining their growing defensive solidity in big matches.
However, consistency has been an issue. Shabana have managed just one win in their last five league games (W1 D3 L1), scoring six goals and conceding six across that stretch.
That run includes an impressive 3-1 away win against KCB, but also a damaging 3-1 home defeat to Nairobi United.
At home, they are three games without a win, and goals have been hard to come by - Shabana have failed to score more than once in their last seven home matches.
Team news is largely positive. Coach Peter Okidi is expected to field a strong XI as Shabana look to close the six-point gap to the top two. Brian Michira remains the focal point up front, while Austin Odongo could start after both featured off the bench against Gor Mahia.
A major boost is the return of Keith Imbali, whose creativity should elevate the midfield alongside Byron Otieno and Kevin Nyabuto Omundi.
Captain George Onyango is also back after a long injury layoff, strengthening the heart of defence, while also Ezekiah Omuri could return to the starting XI on the right flank.
Sofapaka travel to Kisii in desperate need of points.
Sitting 17th with just 14 points from 16 matches, Batoto ba Mungu have managed only three wins all season and are currently eight games without a victory.
They come into this match on the back of consecutive draws against Kariobangi Sharks and Bidco United, the latter ending 1-1 after conceding late.
In their last five league matches, Sofapaka have failed to win (D2 L3), scoring just a single goal and conceding five.
Away from home, the picture is even bleaker: Sofapaka have lost four consecutive away games and have not scored in those last four games on the road.
Captain Clifton Miheso is expected to remain central to their attacking play after scoring a crucial penalty against Bidco.
Coach Ezekiel Akwana will likely continue with a 4-4-2 diamond, with Daniel Nganga and Japheth Lihanda controlling midfield progression, while Douglas Kibet and probably Andrew Waswa or Jospeh Kuloba providing forward support.
Defensively, Charles Ouma Junior, Stephen Bonnie and Idriss Shaibu are expected to retain their places after an improved showing last time out.
Recent meetings strongly favour Shabana. From the last four league encounters, Shabana have won three and lost one, including a 1-0 away victory in January 2025. Notably, three of those four matches ended with under 2.5 goals.
Key Betting Pointers;
Sofapaka are winless in their last 8 games.
Sofapaka are without a goal in their last four away fixtures and have now gone six matches overall without finding the net.
Shabana have lost only one of their last four home league matches.
From the last four head-to-head meetings, Shabana has emerged victorious in three.
Shabana’s home struggles slightly temper confidence to the visitors, but their superior league position, stronger squad depth and favourable head-to-head record give them a clear edge.
Sofapaka’s ongoing away woes and lack of goals on the road further tilt the balance toward the hosts.
Prediction; Shabana to Win
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