Shabana FC delivered a statement performance at Gusii Stadium on Sunday, dismantling sixth-placed APS Bomet 4-2 in a match that may signal a dramatic shift in the club’s fortunes—and perhaps the entire bottom half of the FKF Premier League. For a side entering the day mired in 16th, relegation talk had become almost routine. But with a dazzling display of attacking intent, Shabana demanded the league take notice.

The hosts struck early and often, with Brian Michira converting a penalty in just the third minute to settle nerves and ignite the home crowd. Michira doubled his tally nine minutes later, finishing coolly to cap a frenetic opening salvo. By the 20th minute, Ezekiel Omuri had made it 3-0, capitalizing on a Bomet defense in disarray.

APS Bomet, previously lauded for their resolute backline, simply could not withstand the speed and purpose of Shabana’s front line. Bob Cetric’s penalty in the 37th minute for Bomet offered a sliver of hope, trimming the deficit to 3-1 by halftime. But any thoughts of a comeback were dashed as Shabana struck again after the break, restoring their three-goal cushion. While Bomet did manage a late consolation, the result was never truly in doubt as the home side maintained control throughout.

The match was punctuated by relentless energy and a willingness to commit numbers forward—qualities that have too often been missing from Shabana’s season to this point. The highlights, widely circulated on Kenyan sports channels, captured a side playing with freedom and confidence, unrecognizable from their early-season struggles.

For APS Bomet, the defeat serves as a wakeup call. Their defensive vulnerabilities were ruthlessly exposed, raising questions about their top-half ambitions. But the day belonged to Shabana, whose attacking stars seized the moment and, in doing so, may have fundamentally altered the narrative of their campaign.

If this is the new Shabana, then the Gusii faithful can breathe easier: the specter of relegation may have been banished before the leaves have even begun to turn. The rest of the league, especially those clustered in the lower reaches, would be wise to recalibrate their expectations—Shabana’s swagger is back, and it may just be here to stay.