Kakamega Homeboyz vs Al Hilal Benghazi was anything but the exciting game fans had hoped for.
The Kenyan side wanted a good home victory to take into the second leg in Libya, but it was not to be, as they played out a dour 0-0 draw with the North African side.
Kakamega came into the game with confidence. However, they could not overcome the wiles of the Al Hilal, who were bent on returning to their base with at least a share of the spoils.
Level at half-time
Kakamega Homeboyz started the game with Farouk Shikalo in goal, with Robinson Kamura and Brian Eshihanda marshalling the defence. Eston Motengo and Hilary Orieno had the responsibility of creativity for the team. Moses Shumah and Kevin Amwayi led the attack.
The first chance of the game came in the 11th minute. Ambrose Sifuna made a darting run into the box, but as he tried to cause havoc, the goalkeeper reacted well to save his shot. The Kakamega Homeboyz vs Al Hilal Benghazi game was showing promise. It seemed ready to spark to life. In the 16th minute, Moses Shummah headed a teasing cross from Brian Wekesa, forcing the goalkeeper into a fingertip save.
Kakamega was testing the Al Hilal defence. Eston Omengo came close in the 20th minute with a curler from the edge of the box, but the goalkeeper made a save at the near post.
Kakamega had yet to find the desired breakthrough by the half-hour mark. Frustration was creeping through the ranks. Moses Shummah came close in the 36th minute but saw his shot miss by inches.
Al Hilal came close to breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute, but Eric Ambunya quickly intervened and stopped what would have been a dagger to the heart for Kakamega.
With halftime approaching, the Kakamega vs Al Hilal Benghazi tie had promised so much but was delivering little.
The last chance of the first half came to Kakamega. Hilary Otieno won a midfield battle in the 44th and set Ambrose Sifuna through on goal. Sifuna opted to make a cut-back to Moses Mudavadi. However, Mudavadi saw his shot easily saved by the goalkeeper.
Kakamega Homeboyz vs Al Hilal Benghazi ends all square in Kenya
The second half of the Kakamega Homeboyz vs Al Hilal Benghazi tie started with the home side. Kevin Amwayi made way for Stephen Opoku. making a change.
The game was on an even keel until the 65th minute, Hilary Otieno made mince meat of two Al Hilal defenders but saw his goal-bound shot blocked. With Kakamega getting frustrated by the resilience of the North African side, the coach made another substitution in the 70th minute. He sent on Chris Masinva for Eric Ambunya.
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And we are underway at Nyayo National Stadium
🟡0-0🔴 pic.twitter.com/tvdJFUxVzU
— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) August 19, 2023
The substitution did nothing to change the tide of the game. With ten minutes to play, Kakamega created another opening. Hilary Otieno flicked the ball to Oscar Paul, who brought it down masterfully with his chest and then unleashed a shot. The Al Hila defence was quick to block the shot.
With time going, Al Hilal was defending with all they had. It was evident the Kakamega Homeboyz vs Al Hilal Benghazi tie was heading for a draw. It was not the kind of result Kakamega was hoping for.
The home side made another change in the 83rd minute. Alex Imbusia came on for Moses Mudavadi.
After five minutes of added-on time, the home side still could not find a breakthrough, as Al Hilal resorted to time-wasting tactics.
What next for Kakamega Homeboyz?
The Kakamega Homeboyz vs Al Hilal Benghazi tie is far from over, but the Kenyan side now has it all to play for. Kakamega will now take a trip to Al Hilal to see if they can redeem themselves.
Stout defending by the away side ensured that they got a share of the spoils, and like they say in football – it’s advantage Al Hilal.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
