Kakamega Homeboyz have once again wasted a clear advantage in the race to clinch their maiden Football Kenya Federation Premier League title after bowing to AFC Leopards 2-0 in the Ingo Derby played at Bukhungu Stadium.Homeboyz needed a favourable result from the game to go three points clear of defending champions Tusker but a stumble in an almost full Bukhungu means that the club will have to win the remaining matches against FC Talanta and Kariobangi Sharks.At the same time, Abana Abeingo will be praying that Tusker who are on level in as far as points are concerned will lose in their remaining two matches against Bidco United and Posta Rangers.Leopards fans let out a huge sigh of relief in the second minute when Yema Mwamba closed in Levis Opiyo who was ready to make a long clearance but the deflected effort kissed the side net on its way out. Ingwe had an instant reaction to the early scare as a unusual goal scorer in Collins Shivachi poked home the ball from close range after Homeboyz goalkeeper Stephen Otieno who was off his territory failed to make contact with the ball. Homeboyz players, in a bid to get answers to the early goal conceded camped at the Leopards area and nearly even matters in the eleventh minute as Tedian nearly turned the ball into his own net. Two minutes later, Michael Isabwa who was completely isolated in the box missed a glorious chance, heading wide from Collins Odhiambo’s well weighted cross. The pressure from Homeboyz faded off as the game progressed as Leopards deviced a trick of easing it off by keeping possession and making electric counterattacks. Lewis Bandi who was playing deep in the midfield was instrumental to Leopards’ resolve to eat into Homeboyz dominance as the youngster displayed braveity in winning possession back and passing the ball around even when under pressure from his markers. Ingwe had their second attempt on goal in the 28th minute through Kingsley Olaniyi who tried to beat Otieno on his near post but the headed ball wasn’t strong enough to slither past the custodian’s hands. Leopards had to ring their first change albeit a unwanted one in the 32nd minute as Maxwell Otieno who at some point was seen taking drugs was stretchered off as the stomachache became unbearable. The forward was replaced by Kenyan international Cliff Nyakeya who had little or no time to warm up as coach Patrick Aussems quickly summoned him to replace the injured player. Homeboyz centre back Brian Eshihanda, a former forward in his formative year missed the back of net by a whisker in the 36th as his header flew just inches over the bar with Opiyo well beaten. A moment of madness ensued seconds after the fourth official signalled for a minute to be added on in the first half as Yema Mwamba clashed with Opiyo with Esilaba joining in to broker peace. However, the former Bidco United defender locked heads with the charging forward who was angered by an off the ball challenge but their colleagues separated them before it could turn more ugly. Both players were cautioned for failing to control their emotions with Opiyo narrowly escaping a red card as he appeared to headbut Yema before Esilaba’s intervention. Second HalfLeopards who engaged an higher gear as soon as they emerged from the tunnel made the first attempt on target seven minutes through Eugene Mukangula whose hard drilled shot swayed off the target. Homeboyz threw in Michael Karamor in the 54th minute for Isabwa who struggled to track back and aid the defence whenever Leopards were on break. Laxity in the Homeboyz area saw Kingsley Olaniyi double the lead a minute later as the Nigerian forward was allowed space to shoot while under no pressure from the scattered defenders in the box. Homeboyz allied fans would be pictured walking out of the stadium as soon as Leopards scored the second goal as their counterparts on the other hand continued enjoying the Isukuti tunes that turned louder after the goal. The brave ones had to squeeze them in the VIP area as the heavens that had been expectant throughout the first half began opening up. Homeboyz rung the second change in the 67th minute when Gaetan Masha was rested for Stephen Opoku as coach Mwalala sought to add more punch in the forward line. Once again, tempers on the pitch flaired up in the 70th minute when Francis Omondi had an altercation with Opiyo in the area whike awaiting for a corner kick to be whipped in but the two were separated by the centre referee. Olaniyi gave way for John Makwata with 12 minutes remaining on the clock, a change that sought to poke more holes in the Homeboyz defence but the former Golden Boot winner who had few chances could not find the back of the net.Leopards held on pressure from the hosts to claim the bragging rights.Kakamega HomeboyzStephen Otieno, Erick Ambunya, Sylvester Owino, Brian Eshihanda, Collins Odhiambo, Francis Omondi, Yema Mwamba, David Okoth, Michael Isabwa (Michael Karamor 54), Moses Mudavadi, Gaetan Masha(Stephen Opoku 67)Unused substitutesGodfrey Oputi, Eston Esiye, Christopher Masinza, Stephen Wakanya, George Odiwuor, Sunday Mutuku, Portipher Odhiambo AFC Leopards Levis Opiyo, Peter Thiong’o, Washington Munene, Tedian Esilaba, Collins Shivachi, Lewis Bandi, Maxwell Otieno (Cliff Nyakeya 32), Victor Omune, Eugene Mukangula, Kingsley Olaniyi (John Makwata 78)Substitutes Maxwell Mulili, Erick Mbithi, Josephat Lopaga, Giovanni Lukhumwa, Owen Mboya, Zachary Njite
