BETTING GUIDE: Ulinzi Stars Vs Shabana, match preview, team news, tactical intentions and prediction
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Reading Time: 5min | Sun. 09.11.25. | 08:37
With both sides struggling to find consistency, a tightly contested draw seems the most probable outcome - though Ulinzi’s home advantage might just tilt the balance in their favor if they capitalize on set-piece opportunities
Ulinzi Stars will welcome Shabana FC to the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday, 9 November for a highly anticipated FKF Premier League clash.
Both sides have endured a difficult start to the season and will be desperate to secure a crucial three points to lift themselves away from the lower half of the table.
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Currently sitting 17th in the table with 6 points from 7 matches, Ulinzi Stars find themselves in a worrying position.
They have managed just one win this season, alongside three draws and three losses, scoring only five goals while conceding eight.
Their opponents, Shabana, are only marginally better off, sitting 10th with 8 points from an identical seven matches.
The Glamour Boys have recorded two wins, two draws, and three losses, scoring eight goals and conceding the same number.
The narrow difference between the sides adds further intrigue to this matchup, as a win for either team could significantly alter their league trajectory heading into the mid-season period.
Ulinzi Stars head into this fixture following a spirited 1-1 draw against league leaders Gor Mahia - a result that provided some optimism after a run of poor performances.
Prior to that, the Soldiers suffered back-to-back home defeats to Bidco United (1-2) and Mara Sugar (1-2), as well as a heavy 3-1 loss away to Homeboyz FC.
Despite their struggles, Ulinzi have shown resilience in some games, particularly in defense, managing clean sheets in goalless draws against Kenya Police FC and Kariobangi Sharks.
Their form across the last six matches reads DLDLLD - evidence of a side battling for rhythm but not without fight.
Shabana, on the other hand, started the campaign brightly, even briefly occupying top spot, but have since faltered.
They come into this match with a similarly inconsistent record.
Their last six games have produced just one victory - a 1-0 away win at Bandari - alongside two draws and three defeats. Their recent 0-0 draw against Kariobangi Sharks was a much-needed morale boost after suffering three consecutive home losses to Posta Rangers (1-2), Mathare United (0-1), and AFC Leopards (1-2).
Shabana’s style, once characterized by energy and aggression, has become somewhat predictable in recent weeks, and injuries to key players like BrIan Michira and George Onyango have limited their options.
The historical head-to-head between the two sides further suggests a closely contested affair.
In their last four meetings, Ulinzi Stars have won twice, while the other two encounters ended in draws.
Notably, their most recent fixtures - a 1-1 draw in June 2025 and a 2-2 draw in September 2024 - underline just how evenly matched these teams have been.
However, Ulinzi have dominated this fixture at home, including a memorable 4-0 win over Shabana in October 2023.
Ulinzi Stars are likely to retain the same starting XI that secured a valuable point against Gor Mahia.
Interim Coach Stephen Ochola is expected to maintain the 4-1-2-3 system that has offered improved balance in recent outings.
Timothy Odhiambo might continue in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Telena Ochieng at left-back, Brian Birgen at right-back, and the central defensive duo of Bildad Abonga and Frederick Otieno.
In midfield, Emilio Okello will anchor the base of the midfield, with Boniface Muchiri and Joseph Ochieng providing support in more advanced roles.
Up front, the attacking trio of Paul Mwanyika, Leonlevvit Osiago, and the experienced Enosh Ochieng will look to exploit Shabana’s defensive vulnerabilities.
For Shabana, coach Peter Okidi could also opt for continuity despite recent struggles, sticking with a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.
With a number of injuries limiting his options, Okidi is expected to name an unchanged side from their last outing. Stephen Otieno will start in goal, with a backline of Victor Omondi, James Mazembe, Mark Okola, and Wycliffe Omondi.
The midfield is likely to feature Biron Otieno and Kevin Omundi as the holding pair, with Keith Imbali more advanced, while Bronson Nsubuga and Ezekiah Omuri providing creativity behind the striker,Austin Odongo, from the flanks. Shabana’s main challenge has been turning possession into clear scoring chances, and the return of confidence to their attacking unit will be essential if they are to break down Ulinzi’s disciplined back line.
Ulinzi Stars have averaged 48% ball possession this season and tend to build patiently from the back, focusing on structured transitions rather than outright pressing.
Their defensive setup has been relatively solid, conceding just over one goal per game, but lapses in concentration - particularly in the closing stages - have cost them valuable points.
The key for Ulinzi will be converting their attacking intent into goals; despite averaging over 11 shots per game, only 31% have been on target, highlighting inefficiency in front of goal.
Shabana, by contrast, are a high-intensity side that rely on quick transitions and width.
Away from home, they’ve been surprisingly a bit tough to break down.
Their defensive shape is compact, but their tendency to lose focus after halftime has seen them concede crucial goals between the 45th and 60th minutes.
Their attack, while lively, has lacked composure - with 68% of their shots coming off target.
Re-establishing confidence and rediscovering the fluidity that characterized their early-season form will be crucial.
Key Pointers
Shabana are five games since a win.
Ulinzi Stars are six games since a win.
Ulinzi Stars have scored in all of their last four games.
Ulinzi Stars have not scored 2 or more goals in a game this season.
Shabana have not scored 2 or more in their last 6 games.
Both Ulinzi Stars and Shabana enter this fixture under pressure to turn their seasons around.
For Ulinzi, this is a chance to climb out of the relegation zone and reignite belief among their supporters.
For Shabana, it represents an opportunity to rediscover their early-season form and regain momentum after a slump in results.
With both sides struggling to find consistency, a tightly contested draw seems the most probable outcome - though Ulinzi’s home advantage might just tilt the balance in their favor if they capitalize on set-piece opportunities.
Prediction; Both Teams to Score - Yes
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