Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Francis Baraza has hailed his goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala for his pivotal role in their narrow but hard-fought victory over Shabana FC, a win that secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Mozzart Bet Cup.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsWhile it was Moses Mudavadi’s first-half strike that ultimately sealed the 1-0 win, it was the exceptional performance of the youthful Wanzala that proved decisive, particularly during the high-pressure closing stages of the match.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Luanda Villa handed APS Bomet first defeat in 2025Speaking after the final whistle, coach Baraza did not hold back in his praise for the young shot-stopper.“I am very happy with Wanzala,” Baraza said. “He played our first match of the season before being out for eight months. We worked hard to prepare him gradually, and he made a solid return against AFC Leopards. But today, he was simply magnificent.##NAJAVA_MECA_8856918##His saves in the final minutes were crucial, they kept us alive in the game. I am truly pleased with his resilience and performance.”The Kenya U20 international, featuring in only his second match after an extended injury layoff, delivered a commanding display between the posts, thwarting Shabana’s relentless late surge with a series of superb saves.President Ruto’s promise during impromptu visit at Talanta Sports Stadium [PHOTOS]Having been sidelined for eight months due to a persistent knee injury, Wanzala’s return to form was both timely and inspirational.His reflexes, composure, and presence under pressure not only preserved Homeboyz’s slender lead but also earned him the man-of-the-match accolade.##NAJAVA_MECA_8856914##The 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup champions are set to face Nairobi United in the quarter-finals, following the NSL leaders’ dramatic 6-5 victory over KCB FC in a tense post-match penalty shootout.
