Homeboyz skid persists as Leopards bounce back

Kakamega Homeboyz’s hopes for a maiden Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) title were Sunday dented further by relegation candidates Wazito, who held them to a 1-1 draw at Bukhungu Stadium.

At Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani in Nairobi, AFC Leopards bounced back to winning ways with a 2-1 romp over KCB.

A stone throw away at Kasarani Annex, hosts Sofapaka rallied from behind to beat Nzoia Sugar 2-1 while Nairobi City Stars and Kenya Police battled to a barren draw at Ruaraka Grounds.

Record champions Gor Mahia were also held to a barren draw by Kariobangi Sharks at Thika Stadium in Kiambu.

In the early kick-off of the day, Sunday Mutuku put Homeboyz on the path to a vital victory in the title race with a 50^th minute goal, but Wazito’s forward Erick Otieno spoiled the league leaders’ party with a strike four minutes from time.

It was the fourth successive draw by Coach Bernard Mwalala’s side, which puts a serious doubt on their chances of lifting the title for the first time ever.

Homeboyz top the standing with 56 points from 28 matches, just four above second-placed Tusker, who have played the same number of matches. Tusker and Homeboyz face-off next weekend in a top-of-the-table clash at Ruaraka grounds in Nairobi.

Wazito are 16^th with 22 points.

Midfielder Victor Omune and striker John Mark Makwata were on target for Leopards in the first-half against KCB who got their consolation goal through Nashon Nanyendo late in the second-half.

Leopards started strongly and opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Omune slotted in Ojo Olaniyi's pass.

Makwata, who came in for Olaniyi scored the winner at the stroke of half-time through a penalty kick awarded after Omune was fouled in the box by goalkeeper David Okello.

Nanyendo, who missed a penalty made amends for the miss with a 74th minute strike. Leopards, who have one match in hand are 10th with 38 points while KCB, who have now lost in their last three matches are eighth with 39 points.

"We had a very good first half leading 2-0 but we also wasted many chances. We were under pressure for the last 20 minutes, but the boys defended so well,” said AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems.

KCB assistant coach Godfrey Oduor said: "We tried as much as we could especially in the last 20minutes but luck was not on our side. When they scored the second goal it changed the dimension of the game."

At Kasarani Annex, winger James Kibande put Nzoia ahead from the spot after he was fouled by Sofapaka custodian Fredrick Peter Odhiambo in the 66th minute.

Batoto ba Mungu restored parity in the 68th minute after Rody Manga tapped home a rebound after Nzoia’s custodian Humprey Katasi spilled Lawrence Juma's shot.

However, the 2009 champions tilted the game in their favour after Juma netted from the spot in the 71st minute. Manga was fouled by Katasi inside the box leading to the penalty.

Juma then received his matching orders in the 82nd minute for elbowing Nzoia foward Titus Kapchanga. Despite the win, Sofapaka are still 11th on 36 points while Nzoia Sugar are 15th on 28 points.

Gor are joint fourth with City Stars on 46 points while Sharks are sixth on 45 points.