• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 5 days ago

Bidco United relegated after painful defeat to Shabana

Bidco United have been relegated from the Kenyan Premier League after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Shabana at Wang’uru Stadium on Sunday.

The loss confirmed the end of Bidco United’s six-year stay in Kenya’s top flight league. The Thika-based side needed victories in their final three matches to keep their survival hopes alive, but the defeat ended their chances with two games still remaining.

Bidco came into the match knowing only a win would keep them fighting against relegation. The Oilers started cautiously and struggled to create clear scoring chances in a tense first half.

Their best early opportunity came in the 15th minute when Herman Ngala fired a shot from a tight angle, but Shabana goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng was alert to stop the danger.

Shabana also threatened several times and nearly took the lead through Humphrey Obinna’s free kick, which sailed over the crossbar.

Later in the first half, Danson Kiprono thought he had scored for Shabana, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The second half remained tight, with both sides battling hard. However, the game changed in the 81st minute after Bidco defender Stephen Okola was judged to have fouled Shabana striker Assis Mambote Batshi inside the penalty box.

The Congolese striker stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, sending the ball past goalkeeper Issa Emuria to hand Shabana the important victory.

The defeat means Bidco United become the second team to be relegated this season after Sofapaka also dropped from the league earlier this month.

Bidco’s campaign started brightly with impressive wins against Gor Mahia and Nairobi City Stars, but their form later collapsed. The team managed only one win in their last 26 matches, a poor run that finally cost them their place in the top division.

For Shabana, the victory lifted them to fourth place on the Premier League table with 51 points, keeping their strong season alive.