NAIROBI — Tusker FC staged a late comeback to secure a 1-1 draw against in-form Shabana FC at Nyayo National Stadium in a tense FKF Premier League encounter on Sunday afternoon. Shabana, riding high at second in the standings, looked set for another statement win after an early goal, but Tusker’s persistence paid off with a dramatic equalizer twelve minutes from time.

The match, played under the mid-afternoon Nairobi sun, saw Shabana strike first. In the 19th minute, a surging Shabana attack found the back of the net, silencing the home supporters and giving the visitors an early platform. The identity of the scorer remains unconfirmed at press time, but the goal showcased Shabana’s organized pressing and fluid transition play, hallmarks of their strong start to the season.

Tusker, languishing near the bottom of the table, looked rattled in the opening stages but gradually regained their footing. Their best chance of the first half came when a curling shot narrowly missed the post, but otherwise, Shabana’s backline, marshaled by a disciplined defensive unit, held firm. The visitors nearly doubled their lead on the half-hour mark, forcing Tusker’s goalkeeper into a sharp save to keep the deficit at one.

The second half opened with Tusker on the front foot, urgency growing as the minutes ticked away. Shabana, content to defend deep and play on the counter, absorbed wave after wave of Tusker pressure. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute: Tusker capitalized on a defensive lapse, with a low drive from inside the box finding the back of the net, drawing roars from the home crowd. Once again, the goal scorer’s name was not immediately available, but the strike was a deserved reward for Tusker’s persistence.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the frantic closing stages, but resolute defending and several near-misses at both ends preserved the draw. The result keeps Shabana well-placed near the summit, while Tusker’s fightback offers hope as they search for consistency in the campaign’s early stretch.

For match highlights, the official FKF Premier League YouTube channel (with over 100,000 subscribers) provided a verified recap, capturing the intensity and key moments of this dramatic fixture.

Tusker now turn their attention to stabilizing their season, while Shabana’s impressive unbeaten run continues — but this afternoon, both sides leave with reasons for both optimism and reflection.