Mara Sugar players during their recent match against AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium/HANDOUT 

Mara Sugar will be desperate to turn frustration into motivation when they host Shabana FC in a crucial SportPesa League clash at Awendo Green Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The millers head into the encounter still aggrieved by the circumstances surrounding last weekend’s controversial 2-1 defeat to AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium, where Victor Omune’s late winner sparked angry protests from the Mara Sugar bench over an alleged offside infringement.
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Despite the lingering disappointment, Mara Sugar captain Drona Openda has urged his teammates to move on quickly and focus on securing maximum points at home.

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“We cannot keep dwelling on what happened in Nairobi because the points are already gone,” said Openda.
“Football sometimes brings painful moments, but strong teams recover quickly and respond positively in the next match.”
The defender admitted the controversial ending left the squad emotionally wounded but insisted the dressing room remains united ahead of the visit of the high-flying Glamour Boys.
“The boys were frustrated because we believed the goal should not have stood, but we have spoken as a team and agreed that our answer must come on the pitch,” he added.
Mara Sugar have enjoyed a respectable debut season in the top flight and currently sit 11th on the table with 40 points. Before the defeat to Leopards, Francis Xavier’s side had gone four matches unbeaten, including three consecutive 1-0 victories that highlighted their growing defensive discipline.
Xavier believes Wednesday’s fixture offers the perfect opportunity for his side to restore confidence and continue their push for a top-10 finish.

“We want to finish this season strongly because the players have worked extremely hard throughout the campaign,” Xavier said. “This match gives us a chance to show character after a difficult weekend.”
Shabana, however, arrive in Awendo with ambitions of their own. The Kisii-based outfit occupy fifth position with 48 points and remain firmly in contention for a top-four finish.

The Glamour Boys have built their recent success on defensive solidity, keeping three clean sheets in their last four league matches, including a goalless draw against Ulinzi Stars last weekend.
Openda acknowledged the quality within the Shabana ranks but backed Mara Sugar to make home advantage count.

“Shabana are a very organized team and they have dangerous players going forward,” he said. “But at home we always believe in ourselves, especially with our supporters behind us.”
Shabana goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng has been one of the league’s standout performers this season and expects another difficult away assignment in Awendo.

“We know Mara Sugar are very aggressive at home and they will come with a lot of energy after losing their last game,” said Ochieng. “For us the focus is to stay compact and take our chances when they come.”
Shabana head coach Andrew Ongwae also expects a fiercely contested battle as the season enters its decisive stretch.
“We are entering the final part of the season where every point matters,” Ongwae said. “Mara Sugar are fighting for a top-10 finish while we are chasing the top four, so naturally it will be a very intense match.”
Recent meetings suggest another tight contest could unfold. Mara Sugar have won the last two league encounters between the sides, both by narrow 1-0 margins, while Shabana’s last victory came in a thrilling 3-2 result in 2023.
With both teams chasing important season objectives, Wednesday’s clash is expected to be another tense and tactical affair decided by fine margins.