Leopards held by Bandari as Homeboyz edge newcomers Mombasa United

Kakamega Homeboyz kicked off their Kenyan Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over newcomers Mombasa United in a league match played on Wednesday afternoon at Mbaraki Sports Ground in Mombasa.

In another topflight tie, AFC Leopards launched the 2026/27 season with a frustrating goalless draw against Bandari FC at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi.

In Mombasa, former Tusker FC defender Charles Momanyi scored the decisive goal for Homeboyz three minutes from time, rising highest to head home Moses Mudavadi’s corner kick and hand the visitors all three points.

Mombasa United started brightly, with striker Rashidi Waziri coming close to opening the scoring in the 20th minute when his effort struck the side net.

Five minutes later, Kakamega Homeboyz captain Moses Mudavadi dribbled past two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that deflected off a defender for a corner. Momanyi rose to meet the resulting delivery but headed over the crossbar.

The hosts continued to push for an opener, with Rodgers Mathew missing the target from inside the 18-yard area in first-half stoppage time after being set up by Jackson Watee, as both sides went into the break goalless.

Mombasa United introduced Mogbademu Adeyemi at the start of the second half, replacing June Shawn on the left wing in an attempt to strengthen their attack.

With 15 minutes remaining, Watee squandered two glorious opportunities to put the hosts ahead. Kakamega Homeboyz substitute Boniface Nyabuto nearly produced a spectacular goal five minutes later, but his overhead kick missed the target.

The visitors eventually broke the deadlock in the 87th minute when Momanyi connected with Mudavadi’s corner to secure a winning start to the season for Kakamega Homeboyz.

Speaking after the match, Kakamega Homeboyz assistant coach Paul Okwata praised his players for their performance, describing the encounter as a tough contest following a long journey to Mombasa.

"First match of the season, I congratulate our players for the win. We had very long preparations for the league, leading to most players struggling with the first match. It was a hard game for both teams. Mombasa United has a good squad," said Okwata.

On his part, Mombasa United head coach Abdulhamid Moalim expressed disappointment with the result but maintained that the match would provide valuable lessons for his players as they adjust to life in the top flight.

"It was always going to be a hard match, the first KPL league for my boys. We fought very hard, but we conceded a silly goal. But again, it's part of the learning process," said Moalim.