Eric Ogwade heroics save Wazito in Homeboyz stalemate

Goalkeeper Eric Ogwade put up a man-of-the-match performance as newbies Wazito held visiting Kakamega Homeboyz to a goalless draw in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Camp Toyoyo grounds on Saturday.

Ogwade pulled a brilliant save in 88th minute save to deny Kakamega Homeboyz’s Wycliffe Opondo a goal that could have separated the two sides.

Midfielder Moses Mudavadi broke on the right wing, left his marker, then teed up Opondo, but his shot was magnificently forced over the bar by a wrong-footed Ogwade to the shock of the visitors.

“My boys put in an excellent performance but we lacked concentration in the final third. It’s an encouraging result against a side that finished in the top five last season,” Wazito coach Frank Ouna said after the match.

“Slowly we are getting used to the heat of the premier league and unlike the second tier, the top flight is tactical.”

RUED MISSED CHANCES

Homeboyz tactician Mike Mururi rued the missed chances that denied his charges a chance to close in on the leading pack.

“The artificial turf slowed us down because we are not used to playing in such a pitch. However, we played well but lost so many chances in front of goal. I have to continue working on my forward line because it’s by scoring that we can win games,” noted Mururi, whose side has only scored a goal in three games.

Wazito had a penalty appeal in the 20th minute turned down by referee Dan Ogosi after James Situma appeared to have fouled Kennedy Ayako in the box.

Harambee Stars trialist, Joe Waithira, watched by national team coach Paul Put, weaved through the Homeboyz defence and released Pistone Mutamba but the latter was denied by the offside flag.

Moses Chikati and Situma remained alert the entire first half as David Juma stopped Wazito threats on few occasions he was tested.

Mururi made quick changes after the break, introducing Keiphas Mutuu and Opondo for Festus Omukoto and Estone Esiye on 57 and 64 minutes respectively. Two minutes later, Mutamba’s glancing header off a Moses Odhiambo cross was parried by Juma for a fruitless corner.

Veteran striker Allan Wanga won a free kick in the 73rd minute that didn’t trouble Ogwade in Wazito's post. The Kakamega-based side pinned the hosts in their own half in the final 15 minutes but couldn't get the breakthrough.