Kakamega Homeboyz launched their 2026/27 SportPesa Premier League campaign triumphantly yesterday, edging newly promoted Mombasa United 1-0 at Mbaraki Sports Ground to spoil the coastal side’s historic top-flight debut.
Veteran defender Charles Momanyi delivered the decisive blow in the 86th minute, pouncing late to hand Abana Beingo maximum points in a fiercely contested encounter that appeared destined for a stalemate.
Momanyi, who recently returned to Homeboyz from Tusker FC, proved the difference between the two sides, breaking Mombasa United’s resistance with a late strike that silenced the home crowd and condemned the Sultans to a painful introduction to top-flight football.
For more than 80 minutes, the hosts stood firm against their experienced opponents, defending with determination and frustrating Homeboyz’ attempts to unlock their backline. But the visitors found their breakthrough in the closing stages, turning a tense afternoon into a celebration for the travelling contingent.
Homeboyz coach Edward Manoah praised his players’ persistence and refusal to surrender as the clock ticked towards full-time.
“This is the kind of character we want to see from our players. Sometimes matches are decided by the smallest details, and today we kept pushing until we got our reward. The three points are important, but the determination shown by the boys pleases me even more,” Manoah said.
Mombasa United captain Hakimu Msami marshalled the defence as Abdulhamid Moallin’s men fought to make their top-flight debut memorable. Their disciplined approach kept the visitors at bay for long spells, but Momanyi’s late intervention shattered their hopes of earning a point.
“It is painful to lose a match in that manner, especially after defending so well for most of the game. The players gave everything, but at this level you must remain switched on until the final whistle. We have to learn from this and move forward,” Moallin said.
The victory handed Homeboyz an encouraging start to their campaign, with Momanyi’s experience proving invaluable in a match where patience and persistence were essential to unlocking a stubborn opponent.
“We knew Mombasa United would be difficult opponents, particularly on their home ground. They defended deep and made life uncomfortable for us, but we remained focused. Winning away from home is never easy, and this gives us confidence going into our next match,” Manoah said.
For Mombasa United, the defeat was a cruel introduction to life among the country’s elite. The newly promoted side’s organisation suggested they could compete, but their failure to hold out until the final whistle left them empty-handed.
“We did many things right, and that is why the result hurts. The boys followed the plan and competed with a very experienced team. We must not allow one defeat to define our season. Our objective is to build a competitive side that can challenge every opponent,” Moallin said.
Homeboyz will now seek to build momentum from their opening victory, while Mombasa United must regroup quickly as they pursue their first points in the top flight.
“The season is a marathon, not a sprint. We are happy with the start, but there’s still a lot of work ahead. We must keep improving, remain hungry and approach every fixture with the same intensity,” Manoah said.
Moallin, meanwhile, will be keen to ensure his players respond positively after their late heartbreak. “We are not here to participate. We want to compete, improve with every game and establish ourselves in this league. The supporters deserve a team that fights until the end, and that is exactly what we intend to deliver,” Moallin said.
Elsewhere, AFC Leopards and Bandari FC settled for a goalless draw at Police Sacco Grounds after a tense encounter in which neither side could find the finishing touch.
James Kinyanjui almost broke the deadlock in the 12th minute following a build-up involving Semo, but the effort was ruled out and play restarted with a goal kick.
Bandari threatened in the 28th minute after a defensive error, but goalkeeper Tom Ikara rescued Leopards. Ikara later required treatment after colliding with teammate Kevin Otiala shortly after the restart, briefly halting proceedings before the match resumed.
Leopards introduced Adama Kanteh and Kelly Madada for Taddeo Lwanga and Ronald Sichenje in the 56th minute, with Madada immediately making his presence felt through a promising run down the left. His pass found Tyson Otieno, but the forward could not connect with the delivery.
Eric Namaan Balecho replaced Tyson in the 70th minute as Ingwe searched desperately for a breakthrough. However, Bandari held firm to secure a point, leaving both sides with work to do in front of goal as the new campaign gathered pace.
