Sofapaka back on track after Homeboyz win

Title-chasing Sofapaka on Saturday clawed Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 in a tough Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Mumias Sports Complex.

Second half substitute Elly Asieche scored deep into added time to sink Homeboyz, who started the 2018 KPL campaign with a 1-0 win over Thika United in Thika.

It was a sweet victory for Sofapaka, who won the league in their maiden season in 2009 under coach Robert Matano, after their shock 3-0 loss to Bandari in their season opener in Narok last weekend.

The hosts could have snatched the opener in the sixth minute after veteran striker Allan Wanga outmuscled defender Willis Ouma only to see his shot saved by Sofapaka goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya.

Sofapaka stepped up their attacks and went close on 26 minutes when Kepha Aswani, who joined from Nakumatt in January, put through Hillary Echesa whose shot went over the crossbar.

Kakamega’s defence, marshalled by James Situma, struggled to contain Sofapaka's attacks with Kevin Kimani, Bernard Mang'oli, Umaru Kasumba and Echesa all coming close before the break.

After the breather, Homeboyz coach Mike Mururi rested Festo Omukoto for Noah Wafula and also brought in ex-Gor Mahia winger John Ndirangu who replaced Moses Mudavadi in the 76th minute.

Sofapaka's Ugandan tactician Sam Ssimbwa also benched midfielder Teddy Osok for goalscorer Asieche late on.

“I must say we dominated the second half. The players were at their best executing good moves which eventually paid off. My target is to win the KPL title this season,” Ssimbwa said.

Mururi praised his charges despite the heartbreaking loss.

“We played well. The player co-ordinated well upfront. It’s only that they were unlucky not to have scored,” Mururi noted.