Okidi lauds Shabana's character after draw against Homeboyz
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 14.12.25. | 16:26
A late goal by left-foited centre back Wycliffe Omondi earned the Glamour Boys a point in Kakamega
Shabana FC head coach Peter Okidi has praised his players’ resilience and fighting spirit following a dramatic 2–2 draw against Kakamega Homeboyz on Friday, 12 December.
The Glamour Boys twice found themselves trailing in the pulsating contest, but displayed immense character to claw their way back on both occasions, denying the hosts maximum points in a match that swung dramatically in the closing moments.
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Homeboyz struck first just ten minutes into the contest when Potiphar Odhiambo calmly converted from the penalty spot to hand the 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup winners an early advantage.
Shabana, however, refused to be give up and were rewarded deep into first-half stoppage time when Ugandan forward Bronson Nsubuga restored parity from the spot.
As the match appeared destined to end in a one-all stalemate, late drama unfolded during the seven minutes of added time.
Homeboyz thought they had sealed victory when substitute Oliver Majaka fired home in the 90+5th minute, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.
But Shabana had the final say.
With seconds remaining, Wycliffe Omondi rose highest to head home Nsubuga’s pinpoint delivery, beating goalkeeper Simon Masaka and forcing a share of the spoils in a stunning late twist.
Speaking to Azam TV during the post-match press conference, Okidi hailed his players’ mentality and refusal to surrender.
"I must commend my players; they showed great character and fighting spirit. They fought gallantly throughout the match. Even when Homeboyz scored late and celebrated for over 45 seconds, my players went back, stayed focused, and kept fighting. I am glad it paid off in the end,” said the former Kakamega Homeboyz coach.
Reflecting on the contest, Okidi acknowledged his side struggled in the opening exchanges and credited Homeboyz for their dominance before tactical adjustments turned the tide.
"In the first half we were below par. We were completely outclassed and had to tighten at the back to avoid conceding further. On a scale of 0–10, I would rate Homeboyz at eight in that half; they were the better side,” he admitted.
"We went back to the drawing board at halftime and made tactical changes. The introduction of Bronson Nsubuga and David Odoyo gave us the attacking spark we needed, and from the start of the second half we dominated the game,” added the former Nakuru Bucks tactician.
Okidi also clarified his decision to substitute Derrick Oketch, who had been introduced in the 22nd minute for Gilbert Abala, before being withdrawn at the start of the second half for Odoyo.
"That decision was both tactical and precautionary. Oketch is just returning from a long injury layoff, and we noticed he was struggling on the slippery surface. We did not want to aggravate the injury,” he explained.
The draw extended Shabana’s unbeaten run to four matches, although it brought an end to their three-game winning streak.
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The Kisii-based side will now shift focus to their next assignment as they seek a return to winning ways when they host a resurgent Mara Sugar FC.
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