In a tightly contested FKF Premier League encounter at Gusii Stadium, Shabana clinched a narrow 1 – 0 victory against Sofapaka, thanks to an early goal from B. Nsugubo in the 6th minute. The win sees Shabana maintain their position in the top half of the league table, while Sofapaka continues to struggle near the relegation zone.
The match kicked off with Shabana quickly establishing their presence. Just six minutes in, Nsugubo capitalized on a defensive lapse from Sofapaka, slotting home the only goal of the match. The early strike not only set the tone for Shabana but also put immediate pressure on the visiting side, who had to chase the game from the outset.
As the first half unfolded, Shabana demonstrated a solid tactical setup, dominating possession with 53% and creating multiple chances. Their attacking intent was reflected in the stats, as they recorded a total of 9 shots, with 3 on target. Sofapaka, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, managing only 2 shots, none of which tested the Shabana goalkeeper. The match was largely controlled by the home side, who aimed to build on their lead but found Sofapaka's defense resilient despite their lack of offensive production.
Sofapaka's woes were compounded as they failed to register any significant attempts on goal throughout the first half. Their inability to capitalize on set pieces and open play underscored a tactical imbalance that left them vulnerable.
After halftime, Sofapaka made adjustments, looking to inject life into their attack. However, the statistics highlighted a continued struggle, with Shabana maintaining their defensive shape. The home side's disciplined approach limited Sofapaka to just 3 shots in the second half, with their best chance coming from a long-range effort that sailed over the bar.
Shabana’s defensive efforts were commendable, characterized by their clean sheet, with the backline showing excellent organization and composure under pressure. As the game wore on, the home side managed to control the tempo, absorbing any late pressure from Sofapaka, who resorted to long balls in a desperate attempt to find an equalizer.
The statistics reveal Shabana's efficiency; they completed 77% of their passes, showcasing their ability to maintain possession and dictate the game. In contrast, Sofapaka's pass completion rate languished at 64%, a reflection of their struggles in the midfield battle.
Individually, B. Nsugubo was the standout performer for Shabana, not only for his goal but also for his movement and work rate throughout the match. Defensively, Shabana's backline, led by their central defenders, was resolute, making crucial interceptions and tackles to thwart any potential threats from Sofapaka.
The match concluded with Shabana securing a vital three points that bolster their campaign, positioning them 4th in the FKF Premier League with 24 points from 16 matches. Meanwhile, Sofapaka remains in a precarious 17th place, with their form showing a worrying trend of three losses in their last five matches. This victory serves as a crucial confidence boost for Shabana as they look to build momentum in the league, while Sofapaka must regroup and find a way to turn their fortunes around before it’s too late.
