Shabana FC coach expresses frustration after draw with Ulinzi Stars

By Robert Mutasi 

Shabana FC head coach Sammy "Pamzo" Omollo cried foul after his team fought to a 2-2 draw against Ulinzi Stars in the latest Kenyan Premier League encounter. 

The result left Omollo a sad man, especially given that his side had struggled to iron out previous defensive issues that came back to haunt them in the dying moments of the game.

"It is disappointing because these are things we have been working on since taking charge of the team," Pamzo declared after the draw. 

Since appointment, the experienced coach has been trying to close the rear door that had often looked so vulnerable in the dying minutes of the game. 

Omollo believed they had done a lot of work and changed a lot, but the draw with Ulinzi showed some areas that needed tinkering.

Everything changed, though, when the unlikely figure of Elvis Osok, integral to Shabana's defensive framework, shockingly exited the field of play, leaving his side terribly exposed.

 "That moment Osok went out, he should never have gone out. He should have been strong and continued with the game because when you go out, you're losing the shape of defending," Pamzo lamented.

His absence allowed Ulinzi to capitalize on Shabana's weakened defense and canceled out a lot of good work the team had been putting into place.

The two goals scored by Ronald Tegisi kept them in the game, and Pamzo acknowledged the positive aspects of the performance. 

"We were controlling the game with good touches going forward, good attacking, and very good defending," he noted.

However, the late lapse in concentration led to a draw-a result that Omollo feels his team should have avoided.

"What I like is that we are disappointed because we have drawn. It shows good mentality. It is a game we should have won, but I'll take this point and work on our weaknesses," he said.

Pamzo also hailed Ulinzi Stars for putting up a solid display, especially on the right flank, where they gave Shabana's rear guard many a scare.

 "Ulinzi is a good side. If we were playing against a less organized team, we could have lost by a bigger margin," he admitted.

While Shabana are building on their recent performances, Pamzo is keen to look into the defensive lapses and ensure his team stays focused throughout the entire match.