"We will give them a win" - Shabana captain rallies fans ahead of AFC Leopards test

Shabana FC captain George Onyango has delivered a bold and passionate rallying call to Glamour Boys faithful, urging them to fill the stands when they face AFC Leopards this Sunday, while confidently promising maximum points against the 12-time champions.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Shabana are set to take on Ingwe on Sunday 1, March at the Nyayo National Stadium, in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the round.

The clash presents an opportunity for the Peter Okidi-coached side to avenge their narrow 1-0 first-leg defeat suffered at Gusii Stadium earlier in the season.

Onyango, affectionately known as “Dizzo” among the Shabana faithful, was speaking moments after his dramatic stoppage-time winner secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mathare United in one of the FKF-PL Wednesday, 25 February fixtures.

Shabana strike late to beat Mathare, go level on points with AFC Leopards

The encounter, also staged at Nyayo, appeared destined for a stalemate until the experienced defender rose highest to meet a pinpoint corner and power home a decisive header.

The goal not only sealed maximum points, but also underlined Shabana’s growing credentials in their quest for a maiden FKF Premier League crown.

Addressing the media in a post-match interview with Azam TV, the former APS Bomet defender acknowledged the unwavering support of the Shabana faithful and promised to reward them with victory against Ingwe.

“We appreciate our fans for their support. They have been with us through thick and thin, and the best way to reward them is by winning matches to keep motivating them,” Onyango stated.

“On Sunday, I am urging all Shabana fans to turn up in their numbers because we will make them happy and will give them three points at the end.”

His words reflect not only confidence but also a deep understanding of the magnitude of Sunday’s showdown, a fixture that carries both emotional and competitive weight.

TEAM ANALYSIS: Breakdown of Gor Mahia's blueprint and emphatic scorelines

Reflecting on his match-winning strike, Onyango revealed that the set-piece routine had been meticulously rehearsed in training while patience, he explained, proved pivotal.

“It is something we have been doing in training, and today we had to be patient. We knocked severally in the game without success, but we waited for the right time and struck when it mattered most. I am glad it paid off,” he added.

The decisive moment arrived at death of the seven additional minutes when Ugandan national Bronson Nsumbuga delivered a well-crafted corner into the danger area.

Onyango timed his leap to perfection, powering a bullet header beyond goalkeeper Kevin Ouru with what proved to be the sucker punch.

Beyond the three points, Wednesday’s win carried historical significance.

It marked Shabana’s first victory over Mathare United since earning promotion back to the top flight two seasons ago.

Prior to this encounter, the Slum Boys had registered two wins and a draw in previous meetings.

For Onyango personally, the goal was even more special.

Having recently returned from a nagging knee injury that kept him sidelined for four weeks, the defender was making only his fourth start since recovery.

©Rodgers Odhiambo

Scoring his first goal of the campaign under such circumstances added emotional weight to the triumph.

“It feels good to score after a very long time, especially against Mathare who have been a thorn in our flesh. It is relieving to be back playing regularly after a long spell on the sidelines, and hopefully I can stay fit through the season,” he said.

FKFPL: Leopards face The Lion as they seek to pile pressure on leaders Gor Mahia

The victory propelled Shabana to the 40-point mark, lifting them to third place on the league standings, just six points behind leaders Gor Mahia.

With confidence surging and momentum firmly on their side, Sunday’s encounter against AFC Leopards presents more than just a chance for revenge. It offers Shabana an opportunity to solidify their title credentials for 2025/26 FKF-PL title race.