• FOOTBALL

• Sportsbeat Correspondent 3 days ago

Batshi strike hands Shabana victory over Kakamega Homeboyz

Shabana boosted their push for a top-place finish in the Kenyan Premier League after edging Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 in a hard-fought match at Gusii Stadium on Saturday.

The difference came in the first half, when Congolese forward Asis Batshi scored the only goal of the game to seal all three points for the Kisii-based side.

Both teams went into the match level on ambition, knowing a win would strengthen their position in the title race. Homeboyz started the day third with 46 points, while Shabana were fifth on 43, making the clash important for both sides.

Shabana began brightly and nearly took an early lead in the fifth minute. Batshi capitalised on a defensive mistake and attempted a clever lob, but his effort hit the crossbar.

Homeboyz quickly responded, with Oliver Machaka testing Shabana goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng, while Peter Thiong’o and Brian Michira also came close as the game opened up.

Despite the pressure from both ends, Shabana found the breakthrough in the 30th minute. A well-worked team move saw Brian Michira set up Batshi, who calmly finished past goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Homeboyz pushed for an equaliser before the break, with Moses Mudavadi and Erick Okutu both trying their luck, but Shabana held firm to go into halftime ahead.

In the second half, the visitors increased their intensity. Substitute Samuel Odaro and Rodgers Ouma came close, while Derick Otanga forced important saves from Ochieng as Homeboyz searched for a goal.

However, Shabana’s defence stood strong under pressure. Key interventions, including a crucial clearance by Potiphar Odhiambo, helped protect their narrow lead.

On the counterattack, Batshi and Michira remained dangerous, but Shabana could not add a second goal.

In the final minutes, Homeboyz threw everything forward, but they were unable to break through as Shabana held on for a vital victory in front of their home fans.

The win lifts Shabana to 46 points, level with Homeboyz, tightening the race at the top of the table as the season heads into its final stages.