Africa-Press – Kenya. Murang’a Seal head coach Osborne Monday believes last weekend’s hard-fought draw against a spirited Shabana side has honed his team’s edge ahead of their round 11 SportPesa League showdown with Kariobangi Sharks at St Sabastian Park on Sunday.
The Murang’a outfit battled to a 1-1 stalemate at home, having been forced to chase the game early on. Wycliffe Nthata fired the glamour boys ahead inside three minutes before John Kiplangat restored parity in the 36th minute, ensuring the two sides shared the spoils.
Monday knows the task awaiting his charges this weekend demands steel and precision. “We are playing a good opponent in Kariobangi Sharks,” the tactician noted.
Despite the challenge, Monday remains optimistic that his evolving squad is gradually knitting together and edging closer to becoming a serious force in the League.
“We are still building, and the team is coming up. Very soon, one of our opponents will feel our wrath,” he added with confidence. Seal currently sit 16th on 10 points, three above Sharks, who occupy 18th place.
Sharks, however, arrive badly bruised, winless in four outings, including three straight losses against APS Bomet and Tusker (both 2-1), followed by a 4-2 thumping at the hands of Nairobi United. Their previous encounter ended on a 1-1 draw against AFC Leopards.
Last season’s meeting between the two tilted heavily in the Sharks’ favour, with Ally Salum, Keith Imbali and Andreas Odhiambo firing them to a 3-0 first-leg victory before the reverse fixture ended in a goalless stalemate.
Reflecting on the Shabana draw, Monday conceded his side were second-best in the early exchanges against a relentlessly offensive opponent. “The boys tried their best.
We were playing a good opponent, and it was difficult playing against such an offensive side,” he said. “We were not aggressive in the first half, but in the second half we stepped up, created chances, we just couldn’t convert them.
”Despite failing to bag all three points, Monday praised his charges for their fighting spirit and adaptability.
“Morale was high, and everyone wanted to perform. But different opponent, different attacking styles, we had to adapt to what they had planned for us.
”Kiplagat echoed his coach’s sentiments, insisting the team had shown character to claw back a point.
“We drew against Shabana, not the result we wanted because we were targeting a win. But we are happy with the draw,” he said.
The midfielder also urged Seal supporters to rally behind them as they gear up for Sunday’s crucial tie. “Our focus now is on the next game against the Sharks, and we will be at home. I call on the fans to turn up and support us.”
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