APS Bomet head coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo has showered midfielder Francis Omondi with praise following his sides crucial 2-1 victory over AFC Leopards at Kericho Green Stadium.
APS Bomet secured the vital win courtesy of a second-half brace from captain Philip Wasai, a result that not only their top-flight status next season but also played a major role in confirming Gor Mahia as SportPesa League champions.
After a tense first half ended goalless, coach Pamzo made a decisive tactical adjustment moments before the restart by introducing Francis Omondi in place of Antony Naibei. The substitution immediately transformed the flow of the game as APS Bomet began to dominate the midfield battle.
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The former Kakamega Homeboyz midfielder made an instant impact in the 60th minute when he won possession from AFC Leopards midfielder Kelly Madada before quickly releasing Hansel Ochieng’.
Ochieng’ then produced a defence-splitting pass that found Philip Wasai, who fired home emphatically past goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi to break the deadlock.
Three minutes later, Wasai completed his brace to put APS Bomet firmly in control of the encounter.
Omondi’s influence stretched beyond the attacking phase as he dictated the tempo in midfield, disrupted AFC Leopards’ attacks and provided calmness whenever his side was under pressure. His composure and leadership allowed APS Bomet to gain complete control of the second half.
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Pamzo praises Francis Omondi after APS Bomet’s win over AFC Leopards
Speaking after the match, Pamzo admitted the tactical switch worked perfectly and credited Omondi for changing the game.
“Before kickoff, I said Francis Omondi needed some rest and when he came on in the second half, because that was our plan, he changed everything and I’m happy with how he played,” said Pamzo.
“He didn’t just change the team, but he brought leadership too and we looked like we knew what we were doing. He even contributed to one of the goals and he really controlled the midfield. With him on the pitch, our defence became calm unlike in the first half, and I am happy with how our tactics worked.”
The experienced tactician further emphasized the importance of having senior players capable of controlling difficult matches.
“You know when you have such players who are experienced and can control the team, then your team will just be okay. As a coach, I am happy,” he added.
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Despite celebrating the important victory, Pamzo admitted he was slightly disappointed to see his side concede after going eight consecutive matches without allowing a goal.
“I’m a coach who likes his team keeping clean sheets, but AFC Leopards fought and got a goal. The most important thing is the win,” he said.
“I knew the match would be hard just like in the first leg. In the first half we were not really a threat to them; they were the ones coming at us. But in the second half we dominated throughout and we got two good goals from Philip Wasai. Congratulations to my players.”
APS Bomet’s victory lifted them further away from the relegation zone and confirmed their place in next season’s SportPesa League campaign, with the club now heading into their final fixture against Tusker FC full of confidence.