Mombasa United coach Abdulhamid Moallin wants his players to be more clinical in front of goal as they chase a first SportPesa League win at home to Shabana FC at Mbaraki Sports Club on Saturday.
Moallin believes the promoted coastal lads can get a good result if they play with confidence and take their chances.
“We know Shabana are a strong team, but we are playing at home. We want to win and give our fans something to celebrate,” said Moallin.
“We have worked on our finishing. We must start scoring goals. Creating chances is not enough. We have to make sure we use them.”
Moallin will not be on the touchline after receiving a red card against Migori Youth with assistant coach Ahmed Mchulla expected to lead the team in his absence.
Mombasa United are bottom of the 18-team table with one point from five matches. They have lost four games, drawn once, scored twice and conceded eight goals.
Shabana, meanwhile, are 10th with six points from five matches. They started the season with a win over Posta Rangers before drawing against Nairobi United, AFC Leopards and Migori Youth. Their unbeaten run ended with a 1-0 home defeat to Kenya Police on Monday.
Shabana coach Ahmed Fathi wants his players to respond with a win at the coast.
“We know this will be a difficult match because Mombasa United will have the home support. However, we are going there to fight for all three points,” said Fathi.
“We must defend well, control the game and take our chances when they come.”
Fathi is also concerned about the short time between matches but says his team must be ready.
“We have played several matches in a short time, so recovery is very important. We must prepare well and make sure the players are ready,” he said.
“We want to score more goals and return to winning ways. The players know what is expected of them.”
Mombasa United are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation, with their wingers helping the main striker in attack. Shabana could line up in a 4-4-2 formation, using a strong midfield and set-pieces to create chances.
Shabana have a good record against Mombasa United. They have won all four of their previous meetings in the National Super League, scoring eight goals and conceding just once.
The visitors also won both away matches against Mombasa United without conceding.
Mombasa United will hope home advantage can help them end that run and claim their first win of the season, while Shabana will be looking to get back to winning ways.
