KPL: Homeboyz leapfrog Tusker

Sofapaka FC's Stephene Otieno (left) shield Leon Doso of Chemelil FC during KPL match at Muhoroni Stadium on Saturday, Jan 25, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kakamega Homebozy rallied from behind to beat Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 in Saturday’s Kenyan Premier League match at Kasarani Stadium and leapfrog Tusker at the summit as Gor Mahia moved into the second spot with a routine 3-0 victory over struggling Bandari in Nakuru.

Boniface Onyango had given Sharks a first half lead only for Kennedy Onyango to draw level with a diving header from Ali Bai’s free kick in the 58th minute.

Bai completed the comeback, scoring a late winner to extend Homeboyz’s unbeaten run to eight games and take their points tally to 39, one more than Gor Mahia. Third placed Tusker (37) welcome Ulinzi Stars at Ruaraka Grounds today at 2pm.

In Nakuru, Tanzanian goalkeeper Robert Mapigano scored a rare goal, direct from a goal kick as Gor Mahia gave veteran coach Twahir Muhhidin a rude welcome on his return to the dugout at Bandari.

Michael Apudo made it 2-0 against his former side on the stroke of half time before Kennedy Agogo put the game beyond the dockers’ reach.

Wilberfoce Lugogo had a chance to pull a goal back for the domestic cup holders, but he missed his penalty.

In Kisumu, John Mwakwata continued his relentless push for the golden boot by scoring his 13th goal of the campaign in AFC Leopards’ 2-0 win over relegation threatened Kisumu All Stars. The win saw Ingwe (31) move up to the seventh place.

And in Machakos, an own goal and a controversial penalty summarised a bizarre evening for Wazito as Posta Rangers made light work of the moneybags thrashing them 3-0 in an early kick off tie.

Issifou Bourahana scored into his own net while trying to clear a rebound from Joseph Mbugi’s free kick in the fourth minute before the former Tusker man doubled the lead from the spot on the hour mark after Vincent Omurwa was adjudged to have fouled Ezekiel Okare in the area.

Clinton Kisiavuki hit the final nail in Wazito’s casket in stoppage time with volley after pouncing on a rebound in the six yard box.

It is a result that left Wazito coach Stewart Hall raging as he stormed onto the pitch after the final whistle to vent his frustrations to the centre referee Caroline Wanjala over decisions that led to their 11th defeat. The victory took eighth-placed Rangers’ points tally to 28.

[Additional reporting by Washington Onyango and Ben Ahenda]