Homeboyz 1-0 AFC Leopards: Ingwe miseries compounded

Kakamega Homeboyz have beaten AFC Leopards 1-0 in a Kenyan Premier League match played on Saturday at Mumias Sports Complex.

In the reverse fixture last season, Kakamega Homeboyz won 4-1, their first win in four attempts against AFC Leopards. The hosts came into the match, hoping to continue with their run after managing to collect eight points in their last five outings. Ingwe were the most desperate after managing only two points out of the possible fifteen.

Mike Mururi's side made intentions clear within the first 90 seconds, as Meshack Karani unleashed a shot that unfortunately went wide. The hosts gave as much as they received, making the contest a balanced one in the first 20 minutes or so.

In the 25th minute, Stewart Hall brought in Nzoia Sugar target Marcellus Ingotsi to replace Mungai Kiongera, in what was seen as a tactical change by the coach. But it was Homeboyz who wasted a great chance four minutes later, as Karani, shot over the bar, with the goalkeeper stranded.

It was another chance lost for the hosts considering the fact that a few minutes earlier, Ali Bhai had failed to capitalize on the Ingwe defensive lapses. It was time for the Big Cats to wake up; and they eventually did as Whyvonne Isuza and Gilbert Fiamenyo failed to take their chances.

With five minutes to go, Robinson Kamura forced David Juma into a fine save, after his long range effort found its way to the latter.

After the break, AFC Leopards came stronger and three minutes after the restart, Isuza's fine header came off the cross bar with the goalkeeper well beaten. The ineffective Wycliffe Ochomo was replaced by Mohmmed Diallo, with Allan Kateregga also coming in for former Mathare United man Whyvonne Isuza.

But it was Mohmmed Diallo , who was the most effective as he managed to get the ball in Ingwe's danger-zone in the 80th minute, to put the ball past Gabriel Andika. It turned out to be the winner as visitors failed to get things even.

Kakamega Homeboyz: David Juma, Edmond Mauda, Eric Ambunya, Charles Momanyi, Moses Chikati, Eston Esiye, Stephen Wakanya, Moses Mudavadi,  Ali Bhai, Wycliffe Ochomo and Meshack Karani.

Subs: Michael Wanyika, Mohamed Diallo, Andrew Kulecho, Festo Omukoto, Mutuu Kephas, Okoth David and George Odiwour.

AFC Leopards: Gabriel Andika, Joshua Mawira, Marcus Abwao, Robinson Kamura, Salim Abdallah, Dennis Sikhayi,  Duncan Otieno, Bernard Mang'oli, Whyvonne Isuza, Paul Kiongera and Gilbert Fiamenyo.

Subs: Ian Otieno, Ramadhan Yakubu, Jackson Juma, Allan Katerega, Marcellus Ingotsi Harun Nyakha and Samuel Ndung'u.