AFC Leopards forward Collins Sichenje in a tussle with Posta Rangers' Benard Odhiambo during their Sportpesa Premier League match at Dandora Stadium on Friday/AFC LEOPARDS Kakamega Homeboyz secured their first victory of the 2025/26 SportPesa Premier League season with a narrow 1-0 win over Sofapaka at Dandora Stadium on Friday afternoon, while AFC Leopards were twice pegged back in a 2-2 draw against Posta Rangers in the day’s later fixture.
The decisive moment in Homeboyz’s clash came just three minutes in, when new signing Josphat Lopaga slotted home from Eugene Ochieng’s pinpoint delivery. The early goal injected confidence into the 2023 FKF Cup champions, who had endured a winless start to the campaign.
Sofapaka responded strongly, nearly equalising in the ninth minute when Douglas Kibet broke clear from an Andrew Waswa through ball, only for Edwin Mukolwe to produce a sharp save.
Lopaga had another opportunity midway through the first half, but his shot drifted wide. At the other end, Donato Okello squandered a clear chance after linking up with Kibet, firing over with only the keeper to beat.
Sofapaka continued to apply pressure after the break, with Mukolwe again called into action to deny a low drive from Koech. Homeboyz substitutes Henry Omollo and Oliver Majaka both missed chances to seal the game, but Lopaga’s early strike ultimately proved enough.
Head coach Patrick Odhiambo expressed relief after finally getting off the mark.
“We wanted this badly and I’m proud of how the boys responded,” he said. “Lopaga has settled quickly and given us the perfect start. Defensively, we looked organised, and Mukolwe was excellent in goal. This win eases pressure, but it’s just the beginning. We must now build consistency and climb the table,” he added.
Sofapaka coach Ezekiel Akwana was left to rue missed opportunities.
“We created enough chances to win but weren’t clinical,” he said. “The energy and fight were there, but it’s not enough to dominate and lose. We need to convert performances into points, or confidence will drop.”
In the later match at the same venue, AFC Leopards and Posta Rangers played out a dramatic 2-2 draw. Kelly Madada gave Leopards the lead in the 23rd minute, but Jackson Dwang levelled ten minutes later for Rangers.
Samuel Ssenyonjo restored Leopards’ advantage early in the second half after a flowing move, only for substitute Benard Odhiambo to equalise in the 81st minute.
Leopards' head coach Fred Ambani expressed frustration at his team’s inability to close out the match.
“We were in control but lacked concentration at key moments,” he said. “At 2-1, we had chances to finish the game off, but if you don’t take them, you get punished. We need to be sharper in both boxes.”
Despite the disappointment, Ambani pointed to signs of improvement. “This is a team in transition. The quality is there, and with more work, we will start winning these tight matches,” he said.
Posta Rangers coach Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo praised his team’s character after twice coming from behind. “To come back twice against Leopards shows great character,” he said. “Our substitutes changed the game, and that depth will be important this season. A point against Leopards is a positive result and gives us confidence going forward.”
The result lifts Kakamega Homeboyz to fifth in the standings, providing a much-needed boost. Sofapaka remain in 16th, under growing pressure to translate performances into results. Leopards’ draw extends their mixed start, while Rangers will take encouragement from their spirited comeback as they seek to build momentum.
