Ibrahim Wanzala pulled decent saves, as Kakamega Homeboyz edged Shabana 1-0, at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu to sail to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Mozzart Bet Cup. Billed as the highlight match of the day, the contest lived up to the hype, as both teams showed strong desire for the ticket to the last eight of the tournament.Despite Shabana enjoying large spells of dominance and creating clear cut chances, it was Homeboyz who had the last laugh, thanks to Moses Mudavadi’s lone goal, coupled by Wanzala’s heroics. Revenge served best last!A hard fought win in Kisumu.This is Homeboyz 👊#AbanaBeingo pic.twitter.com/pmAVtIaZE6— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) April 13, 2025 Homeboyz had to be at their best psychologically, as their bus was involved in a road accident enroute to Kisumu.A front tyre burst around Sabatia area forced the team to look for alternative means of completing the trip to Kisumu.Luckily, no one suffered injuries, according to team officials who were on board.BREAKING: Kenya U20 unveil 25-man squad for AFCON showdownFirst HalfLong range shots from either teams were witnessed as soon as centre referee Isaac Hamisi blasted the first whistle, underlying the resolve to secure early goals, control the match and ultimately secure a ticket to the last eight. Homeboyz goalkeeper Wanzala was the first glove-man to be called into action barely a minute into the game, but the custodian was well placed to gather Darius Msagha’s shot.Homeboyz made a quick response through Glen Masava, but Shabana goalkeeper Maxwell Mulili put his six-pack muscles on the line, with the retreating defenders clearing the rebound. 15’First prime opportunity of the day Glen Masava strikes just out the 18 yard box but flips over the bar 🟡0-0🔴 pic.twitter.com/nNUtc2RXNu— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) April 13, 2025 It was not long before the youngest player on the pitch in Derrick Oketch attempted to test Wanzala from yet another long range shot, but his attempt was well gathered. Experienced legs in the Homeboyz midfield helped calm the charged start, with the former champions settling in first and making promising build ups. Shabana, on the other hand, appeared to find their forwards, in space, through launching long balls, with Brian Michira being the source of creativity, and dangerous in set pieces. Before taking the lead, Shabana had survived falling behind as Masava found himself in a shooting space in the box, only to fly his shot over the bar. Homeboyz took the lead in the 18th minute through skipper Mudavadi, who reacted quickest in the box to tap home a cross from Kevin Amwayi. 27’Leading courtesy of Moses Mudavadi’s tap in 🟡1-0🔴 pic.twitter.com/VIHppRIDG2— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) April 13, 2025 The hosts made an overload on Shabana’ s right hand side of the defence, leaving Elvis Osok overwhelmed and unable to stop Amwayi from whipping in the cross. Oketch nearly drew Shabana level in the 30th minute, but his precision let him down, as the low drive to the farthest post sailed inches wide with Wanzala well beaten. Medics had a busy half, with Homeboyz’ Bonface Onyango being the most affected by the flurry of tackles and clash of heads that saw him get first aid twice in the half. Austin Odongo, another young lad in the Shabana forward line, also needed medical attention twice. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8850214##Second Half It was yet another electric start for Shabana in the early minutes of the half, but there seemed to be a big disconnect in the final third as the duo of Oketch and Odongo did little against the imposing markers. Nine minutes into the half, Mulili survived what appeared to be a direct red card after coming off his territory and fouling the goal-bound Henry Omolo just inches outside the area. Mozzart Bet Cup: Ulinzi edge Bidco, Murang’a Seal thrash Kibera to set up quarter-final clashHamisi, who well paced at the scene ignored petitions by Homeboyz players, and brandished a yellow card to the shot stopper. Shabana continued with their dominance and asked all manner of questions to the Homeboyz area, but they were met with similar force. Wanzala also brought his best game in the half, pulling a couple of decent saves to ensure his side remains in the lead. The Glamour Boys thought they had leveled matters in the dying minutes of the game but Hamisi awarded a foul in the build up to Homeboyz, cutting Dennis Okoth’s celebrations short. Lessons picked, onto the next game. #SportPesaNaShabana pic.twitter.com/OpucJm5iCl— Shabana Fc Kenya (@Shabanafckenya) April 13, 2025 The disallowed game did not sit well with Shabana fans as they pelted projectiles on the pitch forcing Hamisi to halt play on security grounds. After more than ten minutes of stoppage, calm was restored allowing players to finish the match. It took Wanzala’s strong arms to keep the score line in favour of Homeboyz, as he made two great saves after resumption. 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