Shabana FC's title ambitions got off to the perfect start as they edged 10-man Posta Rangers 1-0 in their 2026//27 FKF Premier League season opener played at Wang'uru Stadium, Mwea, on Saturday, 10 October.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Kisii-based side had Ghanaian forward Abdul Hafiz to thank after his goal midway through the second half secured all three points for Shabana.Shabana capitalised on their numerical advantage after Posta Rangers captain Bernard Ondiek was sent off in the opening stages, although they had to remain patient before finding the breakthrough.Migori Youth defender returns after one year out following career-threatening heart conditionBoth teams started brightly, looking to establish an early foothold in the contest. However, Rangers suffered a major setback when Ondiek received his marching orders following a rough challenge on Shabana forward Derrick Otanga.Shabana sought to exploit the advantage, with Otanga coming close after connecting with Brian Michira’s pass, but his effort drifted narrowly wide.Posta responded through former Tusker midfielder Teddy Osok, who broke into space after receiving Elvis Noor’s pass but failed to keep his effort on target.##NAJAVA_MECA_10017190##Shabana continued to threaten, with Biron Otieno picking out Kevin Omundi, whose final ball narrowly missed its intended target. Rangers, however, remained dangerous despite playing with ten men.Elvis Osok came close to breaking the deadlock for Posta after reacting to Dimpol Omamo’s delivery, but his left-footed effort sailed over the crossbar.Shabana subsequently increased the pressure, with James Mazembe and Omundi combining well before goalkeeper Peter Odhiambo produced a timely save to deny the latter.STARS ABROAD: Olunga features as Masud Juma shines with braceOtanga also went close before Michira failed to convert Mazembe’s lofted delivery, allowing Odhiambo to keep Rangers level.The Mailmen nearly snatched the lead moments before the interval when former Gor Mahia attacker Mark Shaban met Brian Ouma’s set-piece delivery but could not direct his effort into the net, ensuring the teams went into the break goalless.Shabana resumed with renewed attacking intent, seeking to make their numerical advantage count. Michira squandered another opportunity after racing past his markers, firing wide, before Odhiambo was let off the hook again.##NAJAVA_MECA_10017161##Posta also threatened through Oliver Maloba, who reacted to Ouma’s delivery but blasted his effort off target.The breakthrough finally arrived seven minutes later when Hazif collected Brian Bett's pass and calmly slotted past Odhiambo to hand Shabana the lead.The hosts pushed for a second goal, with Mazembe heading George Orako’s delivery wide, while Posta searched for an equaliser through Wasambo, who failed to capitalise on a loose ball near the edge of the box.FKF Premier League off to slow start as Mathare, APS Bomet share spoilsDespite late pressure from Rangers, Shabana held firm to secure maximum points and begin their campaign with a crucial victory.The result gives Shabana an early boost in the standings as they bagged the league's first win, sitting top of the log, while Posta Rangers will be left to regroup after failing to turn their resilience into points following Ondiek’s dismissal, as they now sit bottom of the league standings.
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