Homeboyz honour late defender with emphatic victory in Mozzart Bet Cup
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 07.02.26. | 15:47
The Kakamega-based side entered the clash under heavy emotional weight following the untimely passing of their centre-back Silas Abungana on Wednesday night
Eyeing a second Mozzart Bet Cup crown after their last triumph in 2023, Kakamega Homeboyz kicked off their 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion following a 5-1 commanding victory over Amani Youth, securing a solid footing in the tournament they have dominated in recent seasons.
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The Kakamega-based side entered the clash under heavy emotional weight following the untimely passing of their centre-back Silas Abungana on Wednesday night.
Despite calls to postpone the fixture, Homeboyz opted to honour their fallen teammate on the pitch, responding with a performance marked by ruthlessness.
The match burst into life at a high tempo, with both sides seeking an early breakthrough.
However, it was the FKF Premier League outfit that stamped their authority early, signalling their intent from the opening exchanges.
Homeboyz wasted little time in drawing first blood, captain Moses Mudavadi reacted quickest to a poorly cleared ball inside the Amani penalty area, calmly slotting home to hand his side the lead.
Six minutes later, the 2023 champions doubled their advantage through in-form forward Oliver Majaka, who rose highest to power home a header from a perfectly weighted delivery by Eston Omengo.
Sensing vulnerability, Homeboyz pressed relentlessly.
Glen Masava came close to extending the lead after being teed up by Rodgers Ouma, but the midfielder blasted his effort wide.
Shortly after, Peter Thiong’o sprinted past his marker on the left flank, only to see his effort roll narrowly wide of the post.
Amani Youth attempted to respond midway through the half.
Brian Otondi showed individual brilliance, skipping past his marker before firing wide, while Anthony Henry narrowly missed the target after connecting with a pinpoint cross from Derrick Otieno.
Homeboyz, however, remained the more dangerous side.
Omengo rattled the woodwork with a sublime volley from a set-piece, before Majaka once again threatened after combining neatly with Shafik Batambuze, his effort skimming just over the bar.
Thiong’o squandered another gilt-edged chance late in the half, failing to beat the Amani goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation as Homeboyz headed into the break with a deserved lead.
The second half resumed with the same intensity, and Homeboyz quickly put the contest beyond doubt.
Three minutes after the restart, Ugandan left-back Shafik Batambuze floated in a teasing delivery from a corner on the left flank, the ball evading everyone before dipping past goalkeeper Ochieng Domnick to make it three.
Just past the hour mark, Majaka completed his brace from the penalty spot, coolly sending the keeper the wrong way after an Amani defender handled the ball in the build-up.
Moments later, Homeboyz struck again. Peter Thiong’o pounced on a spilt effort from Majaka to tap in the fifth, capitalising on defensive disarray.
Amani Youth managed a late consolation ten minutes from time through Wycliffe Onyango, who converted confidently from the spot despite goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala guessing correctly.
The hosts continued to push, with substitute Benjamin Okoth coming close after a darting run down the left, his shot rippling the side netting.
Despite the late pressure, Homeboyz remained composed to see out the match and seal a comprehensive victory.
The result sees Homeboyz advance to the Round of 32 of the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup, reaffirming their credentials as serious contenders, while Amani Youth exit the competition at the first hurdle in their maiden appearance.
