Late Drama as Kakamega Homeboyz Hold AFC Leopards to a 1-1 draw

Mumias,

Saturday, 7 December, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

A thrilling FKF Premier League clash between Kakamega Homeboyz and AFC Leopards ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Mumias Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a last-gasp equalizer by the hosts.

The result saw AFC Leopards, known as Ingwe, climb to seventh place in the league standings, while Abana Abeingo moved up to 12th. Despite the shared spoils, the match delivered intense action and a dramatic finale.

AFC Leopards began the game with momentum, pressing Homeboyz early as Sydney Lokale and Ronald Sichenje threatened in attack. The visitors looked for an early goal to unsettle the hosts but struggled to seriously test Homeboyz's Uganda international goalkeeper, James Ssetuba.

Ingwe came close in the 22nd minute when Ovella Ochieng’s free kick from the left wing rattled the post with Ssetuba beaten. The near-miss marked the first real chance of the game and showed Leopards' growing confidence.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute as Ovella Ochieng delivered a stunning free-kick that sailed into the net, giving AFC Leopards a 1-0 lead. Homeboyz appeared to have weathered much of the pressure but were undone by Ochieng’s brilliance.

The first half ended with some controversy as Leopards goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi escaped punishment for handling the ball outside his penalty area in added time. Nevertheless, Ingwe held their slim advantage at the break.

Homeboyz coach Francis Baraza made a bold double substitution at halftime, bringing on Oliver Majak and Peter Thiong’o for Alvin Ochieng and Pius Wangi. The changes injected urgency into the hosts' attack, and they began to press Leopards higher up the field.

The hosts came close in the 53rd minute when midfielder Glen Masava’s low shot narrowly missed Katasi’s left-hand post. Masava, along with Kevin Amwayi, became a driving force for Homeboyz as they searched for an equalizer.

Despite Homeboyz’s resurgence, Katasi stood tall in the AFC Leopards goal. The shot-stopper produced a spectacular diving save to deny a powerful header from Masava, preserving his side's lead.

Leopards had opportunities to double their advantage, with Pius Wangi missing two chances to bury the game. His efforts, placed just wide of the target, kept the match finely balanced.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, it appeared Leopards were on course for a narrow victory. However, Homeboyz's persistence paid off in dramatic fashion.

Potiphar Odhiambo rose to the occasion in the sixth minute of added time, capitalizing on a loose ball to slot home the equalizer, sending the home fans into raptures.