Mozzart Bet Cup: Majaka brace powers Kakamega Homeboyz into last 16

2023 champions Kakamega Homeboyz brushed aside minnows Kipchimchim FC 3-0 to secure a comfortable passage to the Round of 16 of the Mozzart Bet Cup in a clash staged at Bukhungu Stadium.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

A clinical brace from Oliver Majaka and a stunning long-range strike by Eston Omengo proved decisive as the former cup winners asserted their superiority to keep alive their quest for a second domestic cup crown.

Heading into the encounter, Homeboyz had victory firmly in their sights as they sought to avoid an upset against the little-known underdogs.

Kipchimchim, on the other hand, approached the match with nothing to lose, hoping to script a fairytale progression to the Round of 16.

The contest began cautiously with both sides taking time to settle.

Kipchimchim showed early promise and launched the first meaningful attack in the 10th minute when James Mongare collected Kepha Ondati’s pass before unleashing a low drive that briefly troubled goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala.

Homeboyz gradually grew into the match and nearly broke the deadlock two minutes later when Majaka raced onto Moses Mudavadi’s delivery, but his attempted looping effort drifted inches wide.

The hosts continued to pile pressure and came close again in the 17th minute.

Okidi warns Shabana over costly defensive lapses despite cup progress

Peter Thiong’o floated a teasing cross into the area that found Mudavadi unmarked, but his well-timed header narrowly missed the upright with goalkeeper Bernard Otieno beaten.

Chances continued to flow for the hosts, with Rodgers Ouma testing Otieno from close range in the 20th minute, before Kipchimchim responded five minutes later through Ondati, whose effort narrowly missed the target.

Despite the visitors’ resilient defending for much of the first half, Homeboyz eventually broke the deadlock six minutes before the interval.

Potiphar Odhiambo delivered a perfectly weighted cross that allowed Majaka to rise highest and power home a header, taking his tournament tally to three goals.

Homeboyz returned from the break with renewed intensity and doubled their advantage shortly after the restart.

Stars Abroad: Obiero brothers shine as Maina, Anyembe endure tough results across Europe

Majaka once again proved lethal, racing past the Kipchimchim defence to tap in Thiong’o’s inviting delivery for his second of the afternoon.

Moments later, Omengo effectively sealed the victory with a thunderous long-range strike that left Otieno with no chance, stretching the hosts’ lead to three.

Kipchimchim attempted to respond late on through Ondati, but his long-range effort drifted narrowly wide, while Homeboyz also came close to adding a fourth through Samuel Odaro, Henry Omollo and Pistone Mutamba.

Stars Abroad: Harambee Stars midfielder shines with assist but Lech Poznań surrender lead in costly defeat

In the end, the Abana Beingo comfortably saw out the match to advance to the Round of 16, keeping their ambitions of reclaiming the Mozzart Bet Cup firmly on course.