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Kenya has never met Libya at the international football club level but when Kakamega Homeboyz meets Al Hilal Benghazi in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg match at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, it shall rekindle memories of February 5, 2013, when Harambee Stars beat the Mediterranean Knights 3-0 in a friendly match in Tunis.

Before that, exactly four decades ago, Harambee Stars, then featuring top names like Mahmoud Abbas Ambrose Ayoyi, Elly Adero, James Jacaranda Ouma (RIP), Jared Ingutia (RIP) and Hussein Kheri (RIP) fell to Libya in a World Cup qualifier at the 65,000-seater Tripoli International Stadium,

In StarS’ latest match against Libya which improved the team’s ranking,  then team captain Dennis Oliech scored twice; the first goal coming just five minutes into the match through a penalty after Libya defenders brought down Humphrey Mieno inside the box.

The second strike came through a fantastic finish from Francis Kahata who was lurking dangerously inside the North Africans’ defence.

AFC Leopards forward Paul Were who was introduced in the second half sealed Kenya’s win in the 80th minute.

Unlike Kenya which takes pride in having Gor Mahia clinch the Africa Cup Winners Cup title in 1987, continental titles have been elusive for Libyan clubs although the oil-rich country remains one of the most steadfast Fifa and CAF affiliates.

However, there are still football clubs that thrive in Libya among them TarIk El-Taib, Jehad Muntasser, Ahmed Saad, Fawzi Al-Issawi and Al Ahli Tripoli.

Amongst these teams, Al Ahli Tripoli is the most successful club in the Maghreb country’s history with twelve Libyan Premier League titles, six Knockout Cups as well as Super Cups.

In the meantime, Al Hilal Benghazi landed in Nairobi yesterday ready for the duel against Homeboyz with their officials reserving their comments on what they feel are the team’s chances against Abana Abeingo who are making their maiden appearance in a continental event.

 Nicknamed Hula-Hoop, Al Hilal Benghazi arrived quietly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after which the players were shepherded to an unknown hotel in the city centre.  

In the meantime, Homeboyz coach Patrick Odhioambo has exuded confidence in the team performing well in the first leg match to make the return match in Benghazi a matter of formality.

“Al Hilal Benghazi is an unknown quantity to us but common sense dictates that we pull off a huge winning margin in Nairobi to make our work easier in the return match in Nairobi,” said Odhiambo.

Homeboyz warmed up for the duel with a loss to Gor Mahia on penalties in the season-opening Charity Shield.

Despite the defeat at the hands of his former employers, Odhiambo said he had seen many positives in his team and is confident they will start their campaign well.

“The most important thing for us was to look at the level we are at. I have seen many good things and also seen some which we need to work on and I think as a team we are okay,” said Odhiambo.

He added; “I have brought in several new players and we are still trying to integrate. It takes time but we are patient enough because we believe they will gel into the team.

Abana Abeingo are scheduled to have a feel of the training venue (Nyayo) from 2.00 pm today.