Kakamega Homeboyz honour late Silas Abungana with 2–0 win over Sofapaka at Bukhungu Stadium
Kakamega Homeboyz produced an emotional and disciplined performance on Friday afternoon as they marked their first match at Bukhungu Stadium since the passing of defender Silas Abungana with a 2–0 victory over Sofapaka in a SportPesa League Round 21 encounter.
The match was dedicated to Abungana, whose death had cast a sombre cloud over the club in recent weeks. In a rare show of solidarity between the club and its supporters, Homeboyz granted free entry to fans, allowing hundreds to stream into the stadium to pay tribute to the late defender and rally behind the team during a difficult period.
From the opening whistle, the hosts showed clear intent, pushing forward with urgency and composure. Their early pressure paid off in the third minute when striker Peter Thiong’o rose highest in the box to power home a header from a well-delivered free kick by Eston Omengo, giving Homeboyz a dream start.
The early goal set the tempo for the rest of the first half, with Homeboyz enjoying the better share of possession and creating several half chances as Sofapaka struggled to settle. Thiong’o’s strike remained the only difference between the two sides at the break, but the hosts carried a clear edge in both intensity and organisation.
After the restart, Homeboyz continued to control proceedings, calmly managing the game while looking for a second goal to put the contest beyond reach. Head coach responded to the physical demands of the match by introducing Erick Okutu just after the hour mark, a move aimed at reinforcing midfield stability and protecting the slender advantage.
Sofapaka attempted to push higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser, but their build-up play lacked precision, and they found it difficult to break through a well-drilled Homeboyz back line that appeared determined to honour their fallen teammate with a clean sheet.
The decisive moment came in the 80th minute when defender Shafik Batambuze stepped up to take a free kick from the right flank. His superbly struck delivery curled into the net beyond Sofapaka goalkeeper Brian Olango, sparking emotional celebrations from players, staff and supporters alike.
The final whistle confirmed a deserved victory for Kakamega Homeboyz — a result that lifted the club to third place on the league table with 34 points after securing their ninth win of the campaign.
For Sofapaka, the defeat deepened an already difficult season. The 2009 league champions remain rooted at the bottom of the standings on 14 points, having managed only three wins from 21 matches. With the business end of the season approaching, pressure continues to mount on the club to arrest their slide and revive their survival hopes.
Speaking after the match, members of the Homeboyz technical bench praised the players for showing character and unity in a game that carried far more emotional weight than the usual league fixture.
“The boys played for Silas today,” a member of the coaching staff said. “It was not just about points. It was about honouring a teammate who gave his best for this club.”
Round 21 action in the SportPesa League continues on Saturday and concludes on Sunday, with several high-profile fixtures scheduled across the country.
SportPesa League Round 21 Fixtures (20–22 February 2026)
Friday, 20 February
- Kakamega Homeboyz 2–0 Sofapaka – Bukhungu Stadium
Saturday, 21 February
- Kariobangi Sharks vs Mathare United – Police Sacco Grounds, 3:00 PM
- Shabana vs Tusker – Gusii Stadium, 2:00 PM
- Murang’a Seal vs Bandari – SportPesa Arena, 3:00 PM
- Nairobi United vs Bidco United – Ulinzi Sports Complex, 3:00 PM
- AFC Leopards vs Posta Rangers – Nyayo Stadium, 4:00 PM
Sunday, 22 February
- Kenya Police vs APS Bomet – Police Sacco Grounds, 2:00 PM
- Mara Sugar vs Ulinzi Stars – Green Stadium Awendo, 2:00 PM
- Gor Mahia vs KCB – Nyayo Stadium, 4:00 PM
