Shabana coach targets winning run after Mombasa triumph

Shabana’s derrick Oketch celebrates after scoring against Mombasa United/HANDOUTShabana FC coach Ahmed Fathi has challenged his players to raise their performance levels despite their dramatic 3-2 victory over Mombasa United in the SportPesa League over the weekend.

Fathi insisted that the hard-fought win must mark the beginning of a stronger run in the league.

The Glamour Boys survived a late scare at Mbaraki Sports Club on Saturday after surrendering a two-goal advantage.

Substitute Derrick Oketch eventually came to their rescue, scoring six minutes from time to secure all three points.

Fathi praised his players for their fighting spirit, describing them as “absolute warriors”, but expressed concern over their inability to protect a commanding position after taking control of the match.

“Any shortcomings in the team fall on my shoulders, and it is up to me to find solutions,” said the Egyptian, taking responsibility for the mistakes that nearly cost his side victory.

He wants Shabana to improve defensively, remain composed under pressure and show greater purpose in attack.

He warned that they cannot afford to continue surrendering valuable points through avoidable mistakes.

“Our target is to build a team that competes for all three points in every match. We cannot afford to keep dropping points because of mistakes we can correct on the training ground,” he said.

The coach is also keen to strengthen competition for places after substitutes Oketch and new signing Pomono made significant contributions against Mombasa United.

Their performances have given Fathi options ahead of Sunday’s clash against Tusker FC, with established players now under pressure to retain their starting positions.

“The door is open for everyone. Throughout the week, whoever performs best earns a spot in the starting XI. I don’t care about big names,” he warned.

Fathi wants his side to become more adventurous going forward without compromising their defensive organisation.“I want us to become more dangerous while remaining solid at the back. We have good players, but we must find the right balance if we are to challenge the top teams,” he said.

The victory ended Shabana’s four-match winless run, which comprised three draws and a defeat to Kenya Police.

They moved to nine points from six matches, occupying fifth position, four points behind joint-leaders Gor Mahia and KCB.

However, Fathi believes his side should be competing much higher up the standings and expects continued improvement as the campaign progresses.

“We are not satisfied with where we are in the table. Shabana should be fighting among the leading teams, and that is the level we want to reach as the season progresses,” he said.

He also wants to build a consistent squad despite the demanding fixture schedule, insisting every player must be ready to make an impact when called upon.

“My ambition is to have a squad where every player is ready to step in and make a difference. We need competition in every position because we have important targets to achieve this season,” he said.

Elsewhere, KCB kept pace with Gor Mahia after Jim Owili scored a stoppage-time winner in their 1-0 victory over APS Bomet on Friday.

Gor Mahia dropped points after a 1-1 draw to Nairobi United, with Alpha Onyango scoring a late equaliser to rescue a point for the league leaders.

3K FC held AFC Leopards to a goalless draw, with goalkeeper Tom Ikara saving a penalty to deny Ingwe victory.

Mara Sugar beat Migori Youth 2-1, while Bandari registered their first win of the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Tusker.

Murang’a Seal and Ulinzi Stars shared four goals in a 2-2 draw, while Posta Rangers edged Mathare United 2-1. Kakamega Homeboyz and Kenya Police also settled for a 2-2 draw.

The nine matches produced 23 goals, underlining the competitiveness of the early-season campaign. For Shabana, however, Fathi’s message is clear: the Mombasa victory was a relief, but consistency will be required to join the contenders.

Mombasa United are under pressure to deliver their first win, while Shabana seek an immediate response after losing to Kenya Police.

The victory marked Ahmed Fathi Abdalla Ibrahim’s second win of the season, while Mombasa United, under Abdulhamid Moallin, remain without a victory.