Kakamega Homeboyz coach concerned by worrying trend in recent team matches

Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo has voiced serious concern over a growing and worrying trend in his side’s performances after they once again failed to protect a commanding first-half display, settling for a dramatic 2-2 draw against Shabana FC in an FKF Premier League encounter on Friday, 12 December.

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Homeboyz appeared firmly in control during the opening exchanges, dictating play with authority and purpose as the 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup winners stamped their dominance early.

Their superiority was rewarded in the 10th minute when Potiphar Odhiambo calmly converted from the penalty spot to hand the hosts a deserved lead heading into the break.

Homeboyz, Shabana trade late blows in drama-filled four-goal Bukhungu clash

However, the complexion of the contest shifted drastically after the interval, with Homeboyz emerging a pale shadow of their first-half selves.

Shabana seized control of proceedings, dictated the tempo, and relentlessly pressed for an equaliser, exposing a recurring vulnerability that has increasingly troubled Odhiambo’s side.

The visitors eventually found their breakthrough deep into stoppage time when Bronson Nsubuga converted from the penalty spot to level matters.

Moments later, drama escalated further as Oliver Majaka briefly restored Homeboyz’ advantage, only for Shabana to deliver a final twist at the tail end of the seven minutes added on.

Wycliffe Omondi rose highest to head past goalkeeper Simon Masaka, forcing the sides to share the spoils in a pulsating four-goal thriller.

Speaking to Azam TV after the match, Odhiambo admitted that the late collapse was symptomatic of a troubling pattern that has crept into Homeboyz’ recent outings.

"We have a huge concern, especially in the second half, and it is a big concern. We do make substitutions and whenever we do so we slump. Mostly, we have thrown away points from this worrying second-half trend, which we must quickly work on rectifying heading into upcoming matches,” Odhiambo stated.

The former Gor Mahia assistant coach sentiments stems up from recent fixtures against Tusker FC, Murang’a Seal, Mathare United and KCB, where Homeboyz surrendered first-half leads and dominance, settling for three draws, while suffering defeat to Mathare, their second loss of the campaign.

The only exception was the tie against Posta Rangers, yet even that encounter followed a similar pattern of fading after the break.

©Rodgers Odhiambo

Odhiambo did not hide his frustration at dropping points on home soil, insisting that winning at the Bukhungu Stadium must be top priority and remain non-negotiable.

"I am not happy with the draw because we are playing at home. We need to be ruthless and collect maximum points in our own backyard,” added the former KCB tactician.

The one-time Mozzart Bet Cup-winning coach further lamented missed opportunities and individual lapses, which he believes proved costly in a match that should have been comfortably secured.

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"The game was fair. We dominated the opening half and created numerous chances that we did not convert, which could have won us the match. Individual mistakes and loss of concentration at crucial moments made us concede and ultimately drop points,” explained the former Sony Sugar boss.

Homeboyz will now be under pressure to swiftly arrest the slide as they seek to bounce back from back-to-back draws, when they face Gor Mahia in yet another defining FKF Premier League midweek clash on Wednesday, 17 December at Kasarani Stadium.