NAIROBI, Kenya - Murang’a Seal and Shabana FC battled to a 1-1 draw in a hard-fought FKF Premier League encounter at the SportPesa Arena on Sunday, 23 November 2025. Shabana seized an early advantage before Murang’a Seal mounted a comeback late in the first half to level the scores, with neither team able to find a winner in a tense second period.

The visitors, Shabana, started the match with formidable intensity, stunning the home supporters just three minutes into the game. Wycliffe Awiko was the quickest to react to a loose ball inside the penalty area, firing past the goalkeeper to give his side a shock 1-0 lead. Buoyed by the early goal, Shabana continued to press, with attacker Austine Musa Odongo forcing two crucial saves from the Murang’a Seal goalkeeper in the 19th and 28th minutes, threatening to double their advantage.

Despite the early setback, Murang’a Seal gradually found their footing. By the half-hour mark, the home side began to dominate possession, pinning Shabana in their own half. Their sustained pressure paid dividends in the 38th minute when a precise cross from Tony Musa found John Kiplangat, who rose highest to head home the equaliser. The goal shifted the momentum decidedly in favour of Murang’a Seal heading into the halftime break.

The second half saw both teams create opportunities, but a lack of clinical finishing meant neither could break the deadlock. Murang’a Seal dominated long periods of play, with Dennis Munyovi delivering a standout defensive performance, but the decisive final touch remained elusive. Shabana also had a late chance to snatch a victory when substitute David Odoyo’s low shot in stoppage time went narrowly wide.

League Implications

The draw has a minor impact on the league standings for both clubs. Following the match, Shabana sits in eighth position with 12 points from nine matches, while Murang’a Seal is in 15th place with 10 points after ten games played. Both teams remain in a congested mid-to-lower section of the table, needing a consistent run of form to climb higher.

Both teams entered the fixture with contrasting results from their previous outings. Murang’a Seal, coached by Osborne Monday, came into the game following a goalless draw against AFC Leopards. Monday later noted his team's primary challenge has been converting their numerous chances into goals. Shabana, meanwhile, arrived with confidence after a 1-0 win over Ulinzi Stars.

The history between the two clubs has been highly competitive, with this being the first draw in their last five encounters. In their last six meetings, Shabana has recorded three wins to Murang’a Seal's two, underscoring the typically tight nature of this rivalry which dates back to their time in the National Super League (NSL).

Post-match, Murang’a Seal released a statement addressing broadcast challenges during the game, clarifying the club's non-involvement and expressing support for initiatives to televise local football.