Kakamega Homeboyz extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, defeating Mara Sugar 2-0 on Saturday afternoon at the Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County.
Moses Shumah’s first goal and Estone Esiye’s strike secured their sixth win of the season, propelling them to eighth place on the standings with 26 points after 19 matches.
On the other hand, Mara Sugar’s defeat marked their second consecutive loss, following a 1-0 setback against Police FC last weekend.
In their last five matches, they have managed just one victory, a 3-0 win against Mathare United, leaving them in 12th place with 22 points.
In the third minute of the match, Kakamega Homeboyz were awarded a free kick, but Moses Shumah’s shot went over the bar.
Just two minutes later, they were given a penalty after Vincent Mulama fouled Ben Stanley. Shumah converted the spot kick, giving the hosts the lead in the sixth minute.
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In the 25th minute, Homeboyz doubled their advantage through Estone Esiye, who scored from a deflected shot by Moses Shumah.
The initial save by Felix Adoyo was not enough to deny Esiye’s powerful strike, putting the Abanaabeingo in control.
Vincent Mulama’s header in the 30th minute could have pulled one back for Mara Sugar, but it went over the bar as Homeboyz continued to apply pressure.
Felix Adoyo made another crucial double save in the second half, first denying Pius Wangi’s shot and then blocking a Homeboyz corner kick to keep the deficit at two.
Despite dominating the first half, Francis Baraza’s side capitalized on their chances, while Mara Sugar will regret the defensive lapses that allowed the two goals.
Additionally, their frontline struggled to create opportunities in the opening minutes.
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In the second half, Benedict Wanjala made changes to bolster his team, bringing on Erick Juma for Brian Ochieng.
Mara Sugar had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 56th minute, but Yusuf Ochineg’s shot was saved by Simon Masaka. The hosts made three substitutions to either solidify their lead or potentially add another goal.
Gleng Otunga, Ben Stanley, and Pius Mwangi were replaced by Gospel Okoth, Oliver Machaka, and Moses Mudavadi, respectively.
Mara Sugar missed a golden opportunity in the 70th minute when substitute Erick Juma’s header went wide, which could have brought them back into the game.
Five minutes later, Felix Adoyo pulled off another outstanding save, denying Homeboyz a third goal with a brilliant stop from Hillary Otieno’s powerful long-range shot.
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Despite Mara Sugar’s increased pressure in the second half, their efforts were in vain as none of their attempts found the back of the net.
The match ended in their ninth defeat of the season, and they were unable to replicate their first-leg 3-0 victory against Homeboyz. Meanwhile, Francis Baraza’s side claimed all three points, securing their sixth win of the campaign.