Kakamega Homeboyz's continental glory dreams end in Libya

Al Hilal and Kakamega Homeboyz during CAF Cup 2023/2024 match at the Nyayo National stadium. Aug 19, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kakamega Homeboyz's debut at the CAF Confederation Cup ended in the first preliminary round after losing 4-1 to Al Hilal Benghazi at Benina Witnesses Stadium in Libya on Sunday.

The FKF Cup winners failed to capitaliSe on their home advantage last weekend as the North Africans held them to a 0-0 draw during the first-leg play in Nairobi.

Nigerian international Ifeanyi Eze scored a brace to lead the Libyans to victory, proceeding to the first round where Rwanda’s Rayon Sports lies in wait.

Eze, 24, opened the scoring for the hosts in the 10th minute before Osama Beleid doubled the scores. Eze would complete his brace before Moses Mudavadi's late goal in the half saw Homeboyz trail 3-1 at the break.

In the final half, Kelvin Andoh sealed the victory for Benghazi.

Homeboyz’s ouster means no other Kenyan team will be flying the nation's flag at the continental football games this season.

The Kakamega-based outfit was Kenya's only representative at the continental stage after Gor was ousted from the CAF Champions League after failing on the club licensing.