One time Kenyan champions Sofapaka dented Kakamega Homeboyz’s title charge after holding the Bernard Mwalala coach side to a one-all draw in an FKF Premier League match staged at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Sunday afternoon.The two teams had played out to a one-all draw in the first leg at the Kasarani Annex a week ago and Homeboyz in particular were desperate for three points in order to reclaim their ten-point buffer at the top following Tusker’s win against Gor Mahia on Saturday; a result that cut the lead to seven points.Homeboyz started the game strongly and in the opening 15 minutes, the visitors were reduced to thwarting David Odhiambo’s attacks as the left-footed forward threatened to cause havoc. The first chance came in the 5th minute but Stephen Okola reacted first to block him from firing. In the 10th minute, Sofapaka goalie Fredrick Odhiambo had to react fast after the winger delivered a teasing cross into the area with a number of Homeboyz players ready to pounce. Five minutes later the keeper once again denied Odhiambo parrying his ferocious drive for a corner kick.21 GOOOAL!Lawrence Juma converts from the spot to gives us the leadHomeboyz 0-1 Sofapaka— Sofapaka FC (@FC_Sofapaka) April 17, 2022 Sofapaka however appeared dangerous on the break and against the run of play, they won a penalty in the 19th minute after star man, Joe Waithira was tripped in the area by Homeboyz keeper Godrey Oputi Captain Lawrence Juma stepped forward to take and beat Oputi from 12 yards.The hosts continued to attack in search of more goals but Odhiambo on Batoto ba Mungu goal stood between them and a leveler. He once again pulled a huge save to deny Moses Mudavadi what looked like an imminent goal just after the half-hour mark.Two minutes before the interval, Homeboyz’s pressure and persistence and pressure paid off when Odhiambo, who had terrorized the visitors through the first half found the back of the net through a long-ranger free-kick for a halftime parity.42 GOALThe host equalize through David OdhiamboHomeboyz 1-1 Sofapaka— Sofapaka FC (@FC_Sofapaka) April 17, 2022 Sofapaka made two changes after the interval. Geoffrey Ojunga and Nixon Omondi were introduced for Said Tsuma and Ambrose Sifuna as Coach David Ouma employed a more cautious approach. The hosts continued to run the show, with Odhiambo, Mudavadi and Stephen Opoku the main dangermen.16 minutes from time, Sofapaka won a second penalty when substitute Alex Imbusia was hacked down in the penalty area by Stephen Wakanya. Hansel Ochieng who has been on the pitch for just over ten minutes stepped forward to take by Oputi did well to deny the attack and keep his side in the game. Moments later Mudavadi rattled the upright with Oputi well beaten. Sofapaka held on to claim a point in the game.
