Kakamega Homeboyz faced Al Hilal Benghazi in the return leg of the CAF Confederations Cup match in Libya. Abana Beingo were held to a goalless draw in the first leg in Nairobi last weekend, and were looking to qualify at the expense of the host.
However, playing in a near-packed unfriendly stadium, Al Hilal Benghazi tormented the visitors all night with a scintillating attacking football that ended 4-1 in favour of the host.
A good fight by the lads, unfortunately our continental journey comes to an end after today's defeat
FULL TIME
Al Hilal 4-1 Kakamega Homeboyz #AbanaBeingo
— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) August 27, 2023
Let's get to know how it all panned out in the thrilling five-goal affair on Sunday night.
Al Hilal Benghazi coasted to a 3-1 lead at halftime
Al Hilal Benghazi started the game with confidence and it did not take them long to show signs of what is to come.
Al Hilal showed attacking intent as they threatened to open the scoring when their left winger tried to take advantage of Homeboyz keeper Farouk Shikalo coming off his line to deal with a turnover, but his attempt sailed just wide of the post
The host continued to assert their superiority, creating a flurry of chances at every given opportunity, and it looked as if Homeboyz could not find a way to curtail Al Hilal's hold on the ball.
In the 11th minute, Abana Beingo first chance of the match after a swift counter attacking break which resulted in Moses Mudavadi hitting the ball straight at the keeper.
The hosts finally opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Nigerian Ifeanyi Eze curled a well executed left footed shot into the bottom of Farouk Shikalo’s net, which left Homeboyz having to regroup to find out how to mitigate the situation.
They nearly equalized in the 19th minute when Moses Shummah hit the ball wide of the net in the 19th minute after receiving the ball well from the left flank, before cutting inside to attempt his shot.
Kakamega Homeboyz gave away a freekick in the 23rd minute when Hillary Otieno handled the ball on the edge of the box. Osama Beleid would score with ease from the resulting free kick at the 27th minute.
Homeboyz’s night went from bad to worse in the 31st minute, as Eze got his brace for the night when he got on the end of a through ball before slotting home past Shikalo’s near post in the 33rd minute.
But just before the break, Moses Mudavadi pulled one goal back for Kakamega Homeboyz, giving them something worth fighting for after the break.
Kelvin Andoh's goal sealed a 4-1 win in the second half for Al Hilal Benghazi
The second started slowly from both sides but saw Brian Eshianda booked for his challenge on Eze, as he attempted to break away at pace through the middle of the park, much to Patrick Odhiambo’s frustration, who was booked for complaining on the touchline.
Then on, the game became effectively a time killing affair, with Al Hilal trying to see the game out, allowing Homeboyz to have the lion’s share of possession, but not in dangerous areas.
Al Hilal still found a way to score to hit the final nail in Homeboyz’s coffin through Kelvin Andoh in the 86th minute to send Kakamega back to Kenya empty-handed.
Kakamega Homeboyz put up a good fight but the superior firepower of the host unfortunately halted their continental journey in a heavy 4-1 defeat at the Benina Martyrs Stadium.
The result means that the country will have to wait another year to qualify for the group stages of the competition since Gor Mahia did so in the 2019 campaign.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
