Mozzart Bet Cup: Hillary Juma strikes twice as Homeboyz begin title defense on a high

Mozzart Bet Cup defending champions Kakamega Homeboyz began their title defense on the right note after emerging 2-0 winners over FKF National Division Two side Solian City FC in Sunday’s Round of 32 matches played at Solian Girls High School.

The top tier side got themselves to a third minute lead when Hillary Juma collected a pass from Moses Shumah's looped ball before directing it past the keeper for the opener.

Kakamega Homeboyz should have put the tie to bed shortly afterwards, but saw Shummah’s attempt in the 20th minute come off the crossbar, while Juma had his penalty repelled four minutes later.

The former Mombasa Elite player was however not to be denied in the 38th minute when he connected a header from Eston Esiye’s corner kick to make it 2-0, and with that, the tie effectively sealed.

With the win, Patrick Odhiambo's side will now take a team they played in last year's final - Tusker - as they also emerged tops in their Round of 32 tie.

Playing at Ukunda Showground, Tusker edged out hosts Bumbani Stars 2-1, thanks to two strikes either half from Daniel Sakari and Eric Zakayo.

Bumbani's Zamani scored thereafter from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, but couldn't mount a comeback, the Brewers making a step towards righting the wrongs from last season.

In other early cup kickoffs on Sunday, FKF Premier League sides Ulinzi Stars and Kariobangi Sharks secured their spots in the last 16 after seeing out Harvest of Hope Africa and Nyamira Super Eagles respectively.

New signing John Mark Makwatta was the difference maker for Sharks as he scored in the 82nd minute, while Ulinzi had their goals come from Boniface Muchiri and Masita Masuta in the ninth and 20th minute respectively.

At MOFA Complex, another top-tier side, KCB FC, ensured there was not going to be any a cup upset as Haniff Wesonga rose high to head home a James Mazembe corner kick in the 37th minute to see them book a Last 16 tie with the winner of the game between Karatina Homeboyz and Bidco United.

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Round of 32 Results

Kenya Police 1-0 Posta Rangers (Police Sacco Stadium, 3:15 pm)

FC Talanta 0-1 Bungoma Stars (Police Sacco Stadium, 12 noon)

Silibwet (3) 2-2 (5) Sofapaka (Silibwet Green Stadium, 1 pm)

Compel 2-0 Kajiado (Panpaper Ilala Stadium, Webuye, 1 pm)

Bomachoge Borabu 1-3 SS Assad (Kenyenya Grounds, 1 pm)

PAC University 0-3 AFC Leopards (Police Sacco Stadium, 3:15 pm)

Zetech Titans 0(3)-(4)0 Mara Sugar (Police Sacco Stadium, 12 noon)

Karatina Homeboyz 0-2 Bidco United (Karatina Stadium, 3 pm)

MOFA 0-1 KCB (MOFA Complex, 1 pm)

Solian City 0-2 Kakamega Homeboyz (Solian Girls High School, El Dama Ravine, 1 pm)

Bumbani Stars 1-2 Tusker (Ukunda Showground, 12 noon)

Shalimar 1 (2)-(3) 1 Shabana (Longonot Horticulture Grounds, 3 pm)

Al Azizia 1 (5)-(6) 1 Mombasa Stars (Kinoru Stadium, 3 pm)

Denmak 0 (5) – (4) 0 Gor Mahia (Ukunda Showground, 3:15 pm)

Harvest of Hope Africa 0-2 Ulinzi Stars (Mumias Sports Complex, 1 pm)

Nyamira Super Eagles 0-1 Kariobangi Sharks (Cardinal Otunga High School, 1 pm)