Okidi warns Shabana over costly defensive lapses despite cup progress

Speaking after the match played on March 7, the tactician pointed out recurring defensive lapses, warning that failure to address them quickly could cost the team in the long run.

“I have to say we have to look at the manner in which we are conceding and giving away easy goals, as it was against Leopards. We need to step up and address it very fast before it becomes our undoing,” Okidi said.

His remarks come just days after Shabana suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to AFC Leopards in the FKF Premier League.

Despite the defensive concerns, Okidi expressed satisfaction with the overall outcome, praising his players for getting the job done and advancing in the competition.

“Overall, we are happy to get the win and move on to the next rounds,” he added.

New signing Assis Mwambote stole the spotlight with a brace, while Keith Imbali, Wycliffe Omondi, and Kevin Omundi also got on the scoresheet for the Kisii-based outfit.

Muhoroni Youth’s resistance ensured the match remained lively, producing a seven-goal thriller that lit up the afternoon in Kisii before Shabana eventually asserted their dominance.

Okidi had named a strong starting line-up for the tie, clearly keen to avoid a potential upset from the FKF Division One League side and maintain momentum in a campaign where the club remains firmly in contention for silverware.

Shabana, popularly known as Tore Bobe, currently sit third in the league standings, ten points behind leaders Gor Mahia.

The Mozzart Bet Cup offers them another potential route to continental football should they go all the way in the knockout competition.

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