In a clash on Saturday between Kenya’s top division and cup champions, Gor Mahia edged Kakamega Homeboyz 4-2 in a penalty kick shootout after the teams played to a 1-1 draw at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. Lyson Muyonga scored the winning penalty to put Gor beyond reach in the opening competitive match of the 2023-24 season in Kenyan football.
Both sides showed rust in their first competitive outings and the first half featured few opportunities for either team. Defending league champions Gor sprung into action around the hour mark and after saving an effort from Muyonga, Homeboyz goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo had little chance on the ensuing corner kick when Boniface Omondi met Alpha Onyongo’s service with a well hit volley that was deflected past the shot stopper.
Fifteen minutes later Homeboyz were level after Gor keeper Caleb Otieno spilled a free kick effort from Eston Esiye, allowing Eric Ombunya to bundle home the rebound. Penalties were needed to separate the teams after ninety minutes and after a comfortable start in the opening rounds Homeboyz began a string of three consecutive failures to convert. A second miss from Homeboyz set up the winning kick for Muyonga who stroked a perfect spot kick into the top corner.
K’Ogalo will now turn their attention to defending their FKF Premier League title after being banned from competing in the CAF Champions League. Kakamega Homeboyz will begin their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup starting next weekend against Al-Hilal Benghazi of Libya with the first leg set for August 18 in Nairobi.
Highlights from the 2023 FKF Charity Shield are below.
