Kakamega Homeboyz throw away lead twice to share spoils with Nairobi United
Reading Time: 4min | Wed. 08.04.26. | 18:19
Youngster Oliver Majaka netted twice for Homeboyz but his effort was not enough as Nairobi United fought back to ensure the match ended evenly
Kakamega Homeboyz twice surrendered their lead to settle for a 2-2 draw with Nairobi United in an entertaining FKF Premier League encounter staged at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday, 8 April.
In a match that lived up to expectations, a brace from Oliver Majaka proved insufficient for the visitors, as Nairobi United responded through Michael Karamor and Mustafa Kizza to ensure the spoils were shared in a pulsating contest.
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Heading into the rescheduled fixture, Homeboyz were keen to secure maximum points to close the gap on title contenders Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, while also seeking revenge for their 2-0 first-leg defeat at Bukhungu Stadium.
Nairobi United, on their part, came into the clash buoyed by a commanding 3-0 win over Shabana, aiming to complete a season double and strengthen their push for a top-five finish in their maiden top-flight campaign.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with the hosts pressing aggressively in search of an early breakthrough.
Nairobi United came close in the sixth minute when Enock Machaka was released through on goal by a quick throw-in from Yusuf Mainge, but his effort sailed narrowly over the bar.
Homeboyz responded almost immediately, with Majaka coming close to connecting from a dangerous delivery after a long ball caused confusion in Nairobi’s defense, only for goalkeeper Benard Jairo to react swiftly and gather.
Nairobi continued to threaten, with Duncan Omalla testing Ibrahim Wanzala after being set up by Karamor, but the Homeboyz shot-stopper stood firm to deny the youngster.
The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute, with Homeboyz capitalizing on their early dominance.
Shafik Batambuze initiated the move, releasing Moses Mudavadi down the left flank.
Mudavadi’s pressure forced a defensive error, allowing Majaka to calmly slot home and give the visitors the lead.
Homeboyz nearly doubled their advantage moments later when Rodgers Ouma was presented with a clear chance following good work from Majaka, but the attacker failed to convert into an open net, allowing Nairobi to recover.
The visitors maintained their attacking momentum, with Ouma again missing a close-range opportunity after being set up by Majaka, as Nairobi struggled to contain the relentless pressure.
Despite the early dominance from Homeboyz, Nairobi United gradually found their rhythm and came close to equalizing in the 21st minute when Machaka’s long-range strike beat Wanzala but rattled the woodwork.
Their persistence eventually paid off just before the half-hour mark.
A well-coordinated move involving Brian Mzee, Omalla, and Karamor saw the latter finish clinically past Wanzala to restore parity.
Nairobi nearly took the lead shortly after, with Karamor firing narrowly wide before Kevin Wangaya also came close with a spirited run that ended in a missed effort.
However, Homeboyz regained their advantage six minutes before the break.
Batambuze once again proved influential, delivering a precise ball that Majaka controlled expertly before beating his marker and finishing calmly past Jairo to complete his brace and hand the visitors a 2-1 halftime lead.
Upon resumption, Homeboyz resumed brightly, with Majaka nearly completing his hat-trick early in the second half, only to see his effort drift wide.
Nairobi United, however, grew into the game and began to apply sustained pressure.
Wangaya and Karamor combined well in attack, but the final touch continued to elude them.
Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Kizza produced a moment of quality from a set piece.
The Ugandan defender stepped up to curl a superb free kick past Wanzala after Karamor had been fouled, bringing Nairobi level once again.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages.
Homeboyz came close through Erick Okutu, whose header from Eston Omengo’s delivery was brilliantly saved by Jairo, while Nairobi responded, with Shami Kibwana narrowly missing the target from range.
Despite a flurry of late chances, neither side could find the decisive goal, as the contest ended in a thrilling draw.
The result sees Kakamega Homeboyz drop valuable points, remaining third on 46 points, while Nairobi United move to 39 points, keeping their top-five ambitions firmly alive.