Image: Shabana FC
FKF Premier League side Shabana FC stormed into the Round of 32 of the Mozzart Bet Cup with a commanding 6-1 victory over Solian FC at the Kericho Green Stadium. The win underlines Shabana’s intent in the competition, which offers the ultimate prize of representing Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Dominant First Half Display
Shabana wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Vincent Nyabuto opening the scoring in the first minute. The early goal set the tone for the match, as Nyabuto doubled the advantage in the 10th minute after an assist from Justine Omwando.
Shabana nearly extended their lead in the 24th minute when Darius Msagha took a quick corner, finding Kenya U20 national team player Hezekiah Omuri, whose shot hit the post. However, Solian managed to pull one back in the 38th minute through Mukhwana, momentarily igniting hopes of a comeback for the FKF Lower Rift Regional League Zone A2 side.
Shabana responded swiftly, with Brian Michira restoring their two-goal cushion in the 41st minute after a well-placed pass from new signing Keith Imbali. Michira, who has been in fine form in the FKF Premier League with eight goals this season, ensured his side took a comfortable 3-1 lead into halftime.
Shabana Seal the Win in the Second Half
Shabana’s head coach Peter Okidi made early second-half changes, introducing Duke Nyamweya Kurio and youngster Austine Odongo in the 47th minute for Darius Msagha and Hezekiah Omuri. Kurio, making his debut for Shabana, wasted no time making an impact, netting the team’s fourth goal in the 50th minute from a James Mazembe assist.
Brian Michira completed his brace in the 65th minute with a powerful strike, extending the lead to 5-1. Shortly after, coach Okidi made additional substitutions, with Keith Imbali and Vincent Nyabuto making way in the 67th minute. Shabana continued their offensive dominance, and in the 85th minute, Derrick Oketch sealed the emphatic win, converting a Duke Nyamweya Kurio assist to make it 6-1.
Late in the match, Mark Okolla replaced Frank Mandela in the 81st minute as Shabana comfortably saw out the game.
Strong Fan Support & Squad Depth
A large number of Shabana FC fans, known for their passionate support, traveled from different parts of the country to cheer their team in Kericho. The club, recognized as one of the most followed teams in Kenya alongside AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, fielded a strong lineup, emphasizing their commitment to making a deep run in the competition.
One of the notable young talents in the match was Austine Odongo, a former Ebwali High School player who was part of Kenya’s U19 team that won the Costa Daurada Cup in Spain under the Ministry of Sports’ Talanta Hela Program. Odongo played a key role in that tournament, scoring a brace in the final against Barcelona-based Usurbil FC.
Shabana’s Road Ahead
The convincing win sends a strong message to Shabana’s future opponents in the Mozzart Bet Cup. With a well-balanced squad and tactical discipline under coach Peter Okidi, Shabana FC will be keen to progress further and chase the coveted CAF Confederation Cup slot.
Their next challenge awaits in the Round of 32, where they will look to continue their impressive form and inch closer to the ultimate prize.
