Odhiambo explains how weak defence cost Homeboyz win against Mathare United
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 16.11.25. | 20:16
Homeboyz will seek an immediate response when they return home next weekend to host Posta Rangers
Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo has lamented his side’s growing struggles in defending crosses and set pieces, admitting the issue played a decisive role in their 2–0 defeat to Mathare United on Saturday, 15 November.
The 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup champions were punished twice from balls delivered into their own six-yard box, with Junior Nyawir and Daniel Ange capitalising to hand Mathare a deserved victory, condemning Homeboyz to their second loss of the campaign in the process.
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The breakthrough came midway through the second half when Nyawir combined brilliantly with substitute Musa Masika before whipping in a dangerous cross that forced defender Eugene Ochieng to steer the ball into his own net in an attempt to clear.
Just five minutes later, the same duo combined yet again, this time Nyawir turning provider with a teasing delivery that Ange powered home with a thumping header to seal the win for the Slum Boys.
Speaking to Azam TV after the match, Odhiambo decried his team’s vulnerability from set pieces and aerial balls, concerns he said have persisted for weeks and cost them crucial points.
“We had worked all week to avoid conceding through crosses, but it is now getting out of hand,” the former KCB coach said.
“It is a big concern because we are experiencing a lot of careless play that leads to such situations. We really need to address this as quickly as possible to avoid dropping points in this manner.”
Homeboyz have failed to keep a clean sheet in seven consecutive matches.
Despite being joint with Gor Mahia as the league’s highest scorers with 11 goals, their defensive shortcomings remain glaring.
The team has conceded nine times this season, with only Posta Rangers shipping three more.
Odhiambo also rued a series of missed chances in the first half, insisting his side could have put the match beyond Mathare long before the hosts found their rhythm.
Homeboyz carved out five clear-cut opportunities inside the opening quarter-hour.
Josphat Lopaga was the first to threaten after a swift counter-attack initiated by Henry Omollo, but Ian Omondi reacted quickly to cut out the danger.
Omollo then had a chance of his own, beating his marker before sending a powerful volley narrowly off target.
Moments later, Rodgers Ouma came agonisingly close to giving the visitors the lead, pouncing on a clever cutback from Moses Mudavadi.
His effort beat goalkeeper Brian Ouru but rattled the woodwork twice before bouncing out.
Hillary Otieno also forced Ouru into a superb one-handed save after a stinging strike from the edge of the box.
The flurry of missed opportunities proved costly as Mathare United grew into the match and took full advantage of Homeboyz’s defensive lapses.
“We lost because our opponents converted their half chances, while we wasted several clear-cut opportunities.We were not lethal enough in the final third, and that made the difference," he added.
Homeboyz will seek an immediate response when they return home next weekend to host Posta Rangers.
