Shabana FC climbed back into the FKF Premier League top four after condemning Bidco United to relegation with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Wang’uru Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
A late penalty from Congolese striker Assis Mambote Batshi proved decisive in a tense and cagey encounter that confirmed Bidco United’s drop to the National Super League with two matches still remaining in the season.
The defeat marked the end of Bidco United’s six-year stay in the top flight after earning promotion during the 2019-2020 National Super League campaign.
Knowing only victory would keep their survival hopes alive, Bidco entered the match under immense pressure. However, despite the urgency surrounding their situation, Anthony Akhulia’s side struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities throughout the contest.
Shabana almost took an early lead when Humphrey Obinna fired a dangerous free-kick over the crossbar in the opening stages.
Bidco responded moments later through Herman Ngala, whose effort from a tight angle forced FKF Premier League Golden Glove winner Stephen Ochieng into a comfortable save.
The visitors continued looking more threatening and thought they had broken the deadlock in the 35th minute when Danson Kiprono found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The second half produced few clear-cut chances, but Shabana maintained greater attacking intent as Bidco’s desperation slowly turned into frustration.
Just after the hour mark, substitute Assis Mambote delivered a dangerous cross into the area for Derrick Oketch, but the midfielder dragged his effort wide with the goal at his mercy.
Shabana’s persistence eventually paid off in the 81st minute when Bidco defender Stephen Okola was adjudged to have fouled Mambote inside the penalty area while attempting to challenge for an aerial ball.
Mambote stepped up and calmly buried the penalty into the bottom corner, sparking celebrations among the Shabana players and supporters while leaving Bidco staring at relegation reality.
The Thika-based side attempted to mount a late response but lacked the cutting edge needed to rescue their season as Shabana comfortably held on for all three points.
Bidco United now become the second club to be relegated from the FKF Premier League this season after Sofapaka also suffered the drop following 17 years in the top division.
The Oilers’ campaign ultimately collapsed after a disastrous run of form that saw them manage just one victory in 26 matches. Across 32 league games this season, Bidco collected only four wins, 12 draws and 16 defeats.
Ironically, one of their biggest moments this season came earlier in the campaign when they stunned league leaders Gor Mahia, but consistency remained their biggest downfall.
For Shabana, the victory lifted them to fourth place on 51 points, overtaking Nairobi United and strengthening their push for a strong finish to the season.
Bidco United will now prepare for life back in the National Super League, while Shabana continue building momentum heading into the final two matches of the campaign.
