The Glamour Boys are moving closer to long-awaited promotion.
National Super League (NSL) leaders Shabana FC boosted their promotion hopes after defeating Mwatate United 1-0 on Friday afternoon at Wundanyi Stadium in Taita.
The victory takes Shabana ten points clear of second-placed Muranga Seal with nine games left to the end of the season.
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FOOTBALL Shabana face minnows Mwatate United aiming to go ten points clear
Tore Bobe pumped five goals into Mwatate in the reverse fixture.
Cornelius Lusaka Juma scored the decisive goal in the 26th minute of the match against a Mwatate side that failed to put away big-scoring chances.
The first shot on goal came in the seventh minute from Robinson Joshu, but the Mwatate man saw his 20-yard effort sail just wide off the target.
In the 17th minute, Shabana threatened for the first time when an excellent passing move saw Vincent Nyabuto work his way to the box, but his 14-yard shot shaved the wrong side of the post.
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Ten minutes later, the Glamour Boys did find a goal when a powerful shot from Lusaka found the back of the net.
Mwatate were able to enjoy the majority of ball possession thereafter, but it was a classic case of sterile domination, with Shabana holding their opponents at arm's length and it was no surprise when the half-time whistle had the visitors leading 1-0.
The hosts came back a rejuvenated side at the start of the second half, with Brian Kipruto breaking through on goal four minutes in, but he failed to beat Shabana goalkeeper a one-on-one.
On the hour mark, some swift counter-attacking play by Shabana saw Wycliff Nthata dive into the box before unleashing a well-struck shot, but he saw his effort palmed away by Mwatate goalkeeper Peter Mandala.
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Ten minutes later, Mwatate were on the attack when Farouk Mudolamet crossed from the right with a header, but his effort went wide off the target.
The next decent effort on goal came in the 88th minute when Michael Kenga unleashed a long-range thunderbolt, but it sailed over Shabana's goal.
The Glamour Boys continued sitting back in the closing stages of the match and invited the home side for attacks, but their defense held firm as the match ended 1-0.
Elsewhere, Mombasa Elite were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Darajani Gogo at Mbaraki Stadium, while SS Assad registered a 3-3 draw against Mully Children's Family at Shamu Grounds in Ukunda.