Homeboyz Shock Ingwe to End Unbeaten Run at Nyayo

Kakamega Homeboyz dug deep to secure a hard-earned 1-0 win over AFC Leopards in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League encounter played at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, January 4.

AFC Leopards came into the match full of confidence after an impressive unbeaten run that included victories over Ulinzi Stars and Bidco United, as well as a memorable Mashemeji Derby triumph over Gor Mahia that had lifted Ingwe to the top of the league standings. However, that momentum was checked early by a sharp and ruthless Homeboyz start.

Just two minutes into the contest, Henry Omollo capitalised on a loose ball inside the box and unleashed a superb strike past goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi to give Kakamega Homeboyz a dream opening and a lead they would defend with determination for the rest of the afternoon.

The visitors dominated the opening exchanges and nearly doubled their advantage in the 10th minute when Glen Otunga Masava slid a perfectly weighted through ball to Derrick Otanga, but AFC Leopards keeper Samuel Semo reacted quickly to deny the forward from close range. Moments later, Ingwe thought they had drawn level through Semo after a neat move, only for the assistant referee’s flag to rule the effort out for offside.

Kakamega Homeboyz continued to look dangerous in attack. A slick midfield move involving Rodgers Ouma and Moses Mudavadi ended with a teasing cross that Otanga narrowly failed to convert, before Katasi was forced into further saves as the pressure mounted. Homeboyz came agonisingly close to a second goal in the 36th minute when Mudavadi won possession and released Masava, whose powerful strike rattled the crossbar.

AFC Leopards emerged for the second half with renewed intent, head coach Fred Ambani making three changes in a bid to spark a comeback. The substitutions had an immediate effect, with Kelly Madada forcing a save from range in the 49th minute before testing Simon Masaka again with a fierce effort that required an excellent one-handed stop.

As Ingwe pushed forward, Kakamega Homeboyz adjusted by introducing fresh legs to manage the pressure. Oliver Majaka nearly made an instant impact, reacting to a clever dummy from Omollo in the 67th minute, but Kennedy Owino recovered in time to block the danger. At the other end, Madada continued to threaten, only to be denied once more by an inspired Masaka, who produced another outstanding save in the 71st minute.

The match opened up in the closing stages, with both goalkeepers called into action. Majaka went close on the counter for Homeboyz, while Katasi stood firm to keep AFC Leopards within touching distance. Despite sustained pressure and attacking substitutions from Ingwe, Kakamega Homeboyz held their shape and composure to see out the contest.

The final whistle confirmed a vital 1-0 victory for Kakamega Homeboyz, ending AFC Leopards’ unbeaten run and handing Ingwe a setback in their FKF Premier League title ambitions, while Homeboyz walked away with three valuable points earned through early enterprise and defensive resilience.