Dandora, Nairobi – In a shocking upset, KCB FC defeated defending champions Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 in the FKF Cup quarterfinal at Dandora Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The win propels the Bankers to the semifinals and ends Homeboyz’s nine-match unbeaten streak.
Kakamega Homeboyz, entering the match as strong favorites, appeared to take control in the early exchanges. KCB’s goalkeeper, Farouk Shikalo, was tested early when Oliver Machaka’s header forced him to punch the ball over for a corner kick. The defending champions continued to press, with Moses Mudavadi narrowly missing the target with a long-range effort just 12 minutes into the match.
However, KCB’s solid defense held firm, and they began to pose a threat on the counterattack and from set pieces. In the 37th minute, a golden opportunity fell to Philemon Nyakwaka after a poor clearance by John Omondi, but his shot went wide despite a clearer option to set up an unmarked Henty Onyango.
The first half concluded with both sides creating chances but failing to find the back of the net. Estone Esiye and Moses Mudavadi had near-misses for Homeboyz, while KCB struggled to generate meaningful opportunities.
After the break, the game continued to be a tight affair, with Homeboyz dominating possession but lacking a clinical edge. The match’s turning point came in the 59th minute when KCB’s Danson Namasaka broke the deadlock. His goal followed a swift counterattack, giving the Bankers a crucial lead.
Homeboyz nearly responded five minutes later, hitting the side netting, but KCB’s defense remained resolute. KCB substitute Shadrack Simiyu also tested Homeboyz’s goalkeeper James Ssetuba with a long-range shot, indicating the Bankers’ growing confidence.
Despite a surge of activity towards the end of the match, including a missed opportunity by Brian Chala inside the box, Kakamega Homeboyz failed to equalize. The defending champions’ inability to convert chances highlighted their attacking struggles, leading to their elimination from the FKF Cup.
KCB’s coach praised his team’s defensive discipline and counterattacking prowess, acknowledging the players’ commitment to executing the game plan. Meanwhile, Homeboyz’s head coach was visibly frustrated with his team’s lack of finishing and questionable decision-making in the final third.
With this victory, KCB FC moves into the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the match between Bandari FC and Bidco United. This result sends shockwaves through the FKF Cup and suggests that KCB could be a formidable contender for the title.