NSL title battle: What do Shabana and Murang’a Seal need to be declared champions?

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NSL NSL title battle: What do Shabana and Murang’a Seal need to be declared champions?

Joel Omotto 10:00 - 07.07.2023

Tore Bobe hold a two-point advantage heading into the final day but Murang’a are seeking to burst their bubble

Shabana FC and Murang’a Seal face must-win matches if any of them has to claim the National Super League title on the final day on Saturday.

Shabana blew away their chance of becoming champions with one match to spare when they lost 2-1 in Murang’a last weekend and need victory against Kisumu All Stars at Gusii Stadium to clinch the title.

Meanwhile, Murang’a enhanced their chances of being champions with the win which leaves them second on the table with 68 points, two behind Shabana, heading into the season finale.

It means a win for Murang’a against Gusii United in Awendo, coupled with a defeat for Tore Bobe will see them declared champions.

However, Shabana have a little window of opportunity were they to draw and Muranga win, given they lead their rivals with a +1-goal difference.

It means their draw must be goalless and Murang’a win by 1-0 to get them tied on 71 points and on the same goal difference of 38 after which head-to-head record will come in. Highly unlikely but if it gets to that, then Shabana, who beat Murang’a 2-0 in the first leg in March before the 2-1 reverse last weekend would claim the title.

It is, therefore, a delicate balancing act for both teams although Shabana can count on home advantage as Gusii Stadium is likely to be packed with their fans seeking to make life more difficult for Kisumu All Stars.

The Glamour Boys have made Gusii Stadium a fortress as they have only lost one match at home, coming in February against local rivals Gussii United, giving supporters confidence.

Murang’a, meanwhile have not been so formidable on their travels recently with draws away to Kibera All Stars, Mara Sugar and Silibwet since the start of May suggesting that they have chinks in the armour when not playing at St Sebastian.

In addition to the championship battle, there is a contest for the third-place playoff spot pitting Migori Youth and Mara Sugar.

Migori Youth, 59 points, hold a two-point advantage over Mara Sugar, ahead of their clash with MCF at Migori Stadium while their rivals are away to Mwatate United in Wundanyi.

With both teams tied on a +20-goal difference, there are no margins for error. Migori must win to be sure of claiming third place to face Wazito FC in the promotion playoff.

Anything other than that will see Mara Sugar can pip them if they win in Wundanyi.

NATIONAL SUPER LEAGUE SEASON FINALE

Mwatate United vs Mara Sugar (Wundanyi Stadium, 1 pm)

Migori Youth vs MCF (Migori Stadium, 1 pm)

Naivas vs Vihiga United (Camp Toyoyo, 1 pm)

Gusii vs Murang’a Seal (Awendo Green Stadium, 1 pm)

Shabana vs Kisumu AllStars (Gusii Stadium, 1 pm)

Coastal Heroes vs SS Assad (Mbaraki Sports Club, 1 pm)

Kibera Black Stars vs Kajiado (Ligi Ndogo, 1 pm)