FKFPL: Okola header ends Shabana's five-game winless run as Ulinzi's woes under Ocholla persist

Shabana FC put an end to their five-game winless run with a priceless 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi on Sunday, 9 November.

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Team skipper Mark Okola scored the only goal of the rather stop-start early kickoff in the first half, laying a platform for the visitors to finally win their first game since late September.

The lanky defender rose highest in the 17th minute to guide home a decent corner from Bronson Nsubuga, the header deciding a game that also witnessed worrying scenes at the end, when Ulinzi Stars defender Bildad Abonga went down with an apparent head injury and had to be stretchered off the field of play.

The win for Shabana - their third this season - saw them rise to seventh with 11 points, while Ulinzi, still without a win under interim head coach Stephen Ocholla, dropped right in the relegation zone (17th) with just six points.

Match Report

The build-up to this clash only centered around when Shabana would finally turn to the form head coach Peter Okidi had been promising.

A meeting with a side under an interim tactician presented their best opportunity, yet, and there was no doubt in the visitor’s intent when Austine Odongo and Ezekiah Omuri threatened early.

Their multiple knocks inevitably flung the door open when Okola, a dependable figure at the back, jumped over two of his markers to nod a Nsubuga corner well below Timothy Odhiambo’s grasp.

Hungry Shabana had further opportunities to add to their lead, but Odongo was denied, scoring once only to be flagged for offside.

Ulinzi, under the cosh at home, had only a tame header from Enosh Ochieng to lean on.

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As smooth as the first half was, the second turned to be a less fanciful watch, both sides struggling to keep hold of possession, and danger mostly posed from dead-ball situations.

Just like they shown against Gor Mahia last time out, Ulinzi were not short of effort and endeavor, and should count themselves unlucky not to come away with a point.

Bonface Muchiri, for one, had his long-range shot after 56 minutes saved, while substitute Masita Masuta saw his effort bounce wide after being linked by Paul Odhiambo.

Walter Wafula, after cutting in from the right, also saw his strike blocked.

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Shabana, largely in second gear, were lifted by the efforts of substitute Danson Kiprono - who on one occasion took the paint off the crossbar - but Okola had done what was needed.

A win on the road to bring some level of joy for the travelling support.