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Pamzo Omollo has reflected on his team's performance after a narrow 1-0 loss to Sofapaka expressing determination to secure their first win of the season amidst ongoing challenges.
Shabana FC coach Sammy Pamzo Omollo has opened up about the challenges his team faced before and during their narrow 1-0 loss to Sofapaka at Gusii Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The defeat added more pressure on the struggling side, which has yet to secure a win in the 2024/2025 Football Kenya Federation Premier League season.
Shabana entered the match hoping to turn things around after a difficult start to the season, with two draws and a loss from three games.
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09:49 - 24.10.2024
'Playing to not get beaten'- Gor Mahia assistant coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno slams 'defensive' KCB
Wednesday's midweek action saw the defending champion, Gor Mahia drop points for the first time this season against a stubborn KCB side which has not impressed the K'Ogalo coach.
Sofapaka, on the other hand, had lost three and drawn two of their five matches.
Despite Shabana's optimism, the game was decided just two minutes in, when new Sofapaka signing Douglas Ochoko scored the decisive goal.
Speaking after the match, Omollo admitted that the early goal left his side unsettled and struggling to find their rhythm for the rest of the game.
"Today, we played well but conceding an early goal destabilized us," Omollo explained.
"We didn't settle from there. In the midfield, we weren't combative enough, and we weren't winning our duels. I expected us to be sharper on the flanks, especially with Cliff Nyakeya and Brian Michira, but the opponents really locked us out."
Shabana's attempts to regain control of the match by introducing new players, including James Mazembe, showed flashes of promise, but they were not enough to turn the tide.
"We tried to change things by bringing Mazembe on, and we saw some glimpses of improvement, but overall, we just weren't good enough," Omollo added.
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The experienced coach pointed out that the team's tactical approach also contributed to their difficulties, particularly in the second half. Shabana struggled to adapt, resorting to long balls that failed to create opportunities.
"We tried to play long balls, especially in the second half, but it wasn’t helping us. We didn’t calm down and stick to our game plan," Omollo noted.
In addition to tactical struggles, Omollo revealed that injuries and illness had taken a toll on the squad in the buildup to the match.
Several key players, including Mathew Tegisi and Darius Msagha, had to play through pain, while others like Masai and Raila were not fully fit.
"For the past two weeks, we've been battling sickness and injuries," Omollo said.
"Mathew and Darius played through painkillers. They tried their best, but it wasn't enough for us. Masai and Raila weren't 100% fit, and that might have contributed to our performance."
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09:10 - 24.10.2024
Burial date set for Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars legend Austin 'Makamu' Oduor
Former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars captain Austin Oduor Origi will be laid to rest in his hometown, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Despite the challenges, Omollo remains hopeful and insists he is not feeling the pressure, even though the team has yet to win a game this season.
Shabana, who were playing their first game at Gusii Stadium in 18 years, currently sit 17th in the league table with just two points from four games.
"I’m not under pressure, but we are fighting hard to get our first win. Playing here for the first time in 18 years does come with some pressure, but we are giving it our all," Omollo said.
Sofapaka, who climbed to 12th place with the victory, now have five points from six matches.
The Batoto ba Mungu's only win so far in the season came against Shabana, and the result further deepened the latter's woes as they look for a breakthrough.
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08:02 - 24.10.2024
Timothy Ouma: Harambee Stars midfielder impresses in Europe League as Elfsborg suffer narrow loss to Galatasaray
Kenyan international Timothy Ouma was among the standout performers as his club IF Elfsborg narrowly lost to Turkish giants Galatasaray in a Europa League clash.
Shabana's next challenge comes on October 26 when they face Kariobangi Sharks at Dandora Stadium.
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