Mozzart Bet Cup: Amwayi's lone strike seal title for Kakamega Homeboyz

The decision by the Kakamega Homeboyz management to Kevin Amwayi a second chance in the top flight is, arguably the best the team has made in recent time as the experienced player, netted the sole goal to hand Abana Abeingo their first major title following the hard-fought 1-0 win over Tusker in the Mozzart Bet Cup final played at Kasarani on Saturday 1 July.

Amwayi, returned to the top flight last year, signing a deal with Homeboyz from Kona Rangers and subsequently, marked the start of his second stint in the division after nearly three years in the cold. 

The move to hand the winger a deal at a time when he appeared to have lost his form paid off in the most rewarding way as, his goal did not hand them the title but also, the license to participate in CAF Confederation Cup for the first time. 

When centre referee Dickens Mimisa blasted the final whistle, Amwayi and his teammates were on their knees as victory saw the team end the season in style, winning the title to relieve the pressure of securing the first gong since the club's inception off their shoulders.

It was all in laughter and tears of joy for Homeboyz players as the celebrated bagging the title that was interestingly bankrolled by their shirt sponsors, Mozzart Bet.

The hard work on the pitch, earned the team an extra two million as Mozzart Bet topped the cash prize by a million with club chairman Cleophas Shimanyula also, handing the team similar amount.

"I am happy we have won the title. The boys fought for it," said coach Patrick Odhiambo before making to the podium to receive his medal.

"What a way to end the season. I spent the better part of the first leg battling relegation with Wazito but I am happy it has ended with a title," said midfielder Hillary Juma.

The result served fresh heartbreak for Tusker as the brewers ended the season without a title.

Last weekend, Tusker lost the league title race by the slightest of margins and were hoping to redeem themselves in the Cup.

Tusker couldn't hide their intentions of scoring early goals as the brewers had two clear chance inside the opening six minutes of the game but Homeboyz custodian Faruk Shikalo kept his side in the game. 

Homeboyz recovered from the early scare, causing Tusker all manner of problems through attacking spaces and long balls. 

Homeboyz thought that they, had taken the lead in the lead in the ninth minute through what would have been an own goal from Brian Bwire but assistant referee Gilbert Cheruiyot correctly ruled that the ball had not entirely crossed the line. 

Moses Shumah had let fly a volley from outside the area that, ricochoted off the woodwork and hit Bwire in the process but the ball did not cross the line much to the disappointment of Homeboyz players who were wheeling to the corner to celebrate. 

Cheruiyot, who was well placed, cut short the celebrations by indicating that the ball, that hit Bwire's head had not crossed the goal line area. 

The post rescued Tusker in the 15th minute as Kevin Amwayi's hard-drilled shot came off the woodwork, much to the relief of Bwire and his defence. 

Bwire made a decent save minutes after the scare, leaping the highest and in the process, making a fingertip deflection to deny Moses Mudavadi. 

Shami Kibwana nearly gave Tusker the lead in the 27th minute after dancing his way to the Homeboyz area before, unleashing a powerful shot but, Faruk Shikalo was equal to the task. 

The game was halted in the 32nd minute for a while after captains; Humphrey Mieno and Mudavadi clashed their heads while contesting for an aerial ball. 

Both midfielders were treated and allowed to carry on with loads of bandages on their heads following the heavy collision. 

The two teams picked from where they left upon resumption as they continued displaying the free-flowing football and created chances.

Both teams, once again let clear scoring opportunity slide through their hands even as nervousness and lack of precision in front of the goal remained clear. 

After missing scores of open chances, Homeboyz took the lead in the 72nd minute through Kevin Amwayi who rifled the ball from the edge of the box, beating Bwire for the first time.

Homeboyz withstood pressure from Tusker in the closing stages of the game to clinch the title.

The win, was certainly sweet revenge for Homeboyz who lost the league title race to Tusker in the 2021-2022 season before it was annulled by the federation.

Kakamega Homeboyz Starting XI; Faruk Shikalo, Collins Odhiambo, Erick Ambunya, Robinson Kamura, Brian Eshihanda, Moses Mudavadi, Estone Esiye, Hillary Otieno, Moses Shumah, Ambrose Sifuna (Felicien Okanda 69), Kevin Amwayi (Brian Buleti)

Substitutes; Ibrahim Wanzala, John Otieno, Gaetan Masha, Brian Wekesa, Enock Agwanda, Ali Bhai, Christopher Masinza 

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Tusker Starting XI; Brian Bwire, Boniface Onyango, Daniel Sakari, Tom Teka, Charles Momanyi, Humphrey Mieno, Shami Mwinyi, Shaphan Siwa (Stewart Omondi) , Deogratious Ojok, Jackson Macharia(Rodgers Ouma 68)Michael Oduor( Erick Mmata) 

Substitutes; Michael Wanjala, Levin Odhiambo, Michael Kibwage, David Odoyo, Kevin Monyi, Erick Otieno