KPL: Kakamega Homeboyz leapfrog Tusker, Wazito’s woes continue

Kakamega Homeboyz FC forward Stepehen Etyang celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against AFC Leopards SC during their Kenyan Premier League match at Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega on September 01, 2019. Homeboyz FC won 1-0. Photo/www.sportpicha.com

Kakamega Homeboyz veteran striker Wanga says self-belief growing with every victory as title race heats up.

There is a growing sense of belief and optimism within Kakamega Homeboyz’s camp that they could claim their maiden Kenyan Premier League title this season.

Homeboyz (39 points), who are currently enjoying a fine run of form, came from a goal down on Saturday to beat hosts Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 to extend their unbeaten run to eight games and leapfrog Tusker at the summit.

The victory came two weeks after they had stunned record champions Gor Mahia 2-1 prompting belief among Homeboyz supporters that they could lift their first top-flight title since debuting in 2013.

Nicholas Muyoti’s men are now a point ahead of joint second-placed Gor Mahia (38) and Tusker after the duo registered contrasting results at the weekend.

While K’Ogalo, who still have two games in hand, thrashed struggling domestic cup holders Bandari 3-0 in Nakuru to give veteran coach Twahir Muhhidin a rude welcome on his return to the dugout, the brewers dropped two points against visiting Ulinzi Stars (1-1) at Ruaraka Grounds.

With the draw, Ulinzi who are level on points (35) with fourth-placed KCB following their 3-1 victory over Western Stima in Machakos, continue to put pressure on the top three.

And with less than 14 matches to go, veteran striker Allan Wanga claimed the team has the potential to compete for the title.

“Of course we have what it takes to strongly challenge for the title. The league has already started taking shape, but I’m happy we are also in good form,” Wanga told Standard Sports.

“We are just taking one game at a time and there is that belief in the team that we can make history this season. So, with the form and the mood in the team, we can’t be ruled out.”

Wanga added: “Though there is still a long season ahead, we believe we can make it. And considering the fact that most of our remaining tough matches are at home we will fight to the end.”

Just like at the top, the battle to avoid relegation is becoming hotter, so is the race for the golden boot.

Leading goal scorer John Makwata was on target taking his goal tally to 13 as AFC Leopards overcame Kisumu All Stars. Mwakwata’s closest rival Timothy Otieno bagged his tenth goal of the campaign from the spot to secure a point for Tusker against Ulinzi Stars.

In the relegation battle, 15th-placed Nzoia Sugar remained level on points (11) with Wazito after being held to a barren draw by Zoo in Bungoma as the money bags suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Posta Rangers in Machakos.

The loss — Wazito’s 11th of the season — left a bad taste in the mouth of coach Stewart Hall as the Briton accused centre referee Caroline Wanjala of poor officiating.

Wazito fell behind to an early Issifou Bourahana’s fourth minute own goal before captain Vincent Omurwa conceded a penalty after he was adjudged to have fouled Ezekiel Okare in the box.

 “That’s the worst refereeing I have seen for a very long time. How can anybody justify that penalty? That’s an absolute joke,” said Hall in a post-match interview.

“The first goal was a marginal free kick which was 50-50 and could have gone either way, but the penalty is an absolute joke. Even their bench (Posta) couldn’t believe it and the fourth official was embarrassed with the decision. That’s an absolute disgrace,” Hall said.

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