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Kakamega Homeboyz coach Patrick Odhiambo believes his players picked some vital lessons from their CAF Confederation Cup journey despite coming to an end at the first hurdle.

The Kakamega-based outfit were taking part in the inter-club competition for the first time and they failed to get past the first preliminary round after losing 4-1 on aggregate to Al Hilal Benghazi of Libya. After a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Nyayo Stadium, Homeboyz found the going tough in the away return leg as they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat.

Speaking for the first time on what transpired in Libya, Odhiambo has insisted though they faced challenges when travelling for the return leg as some of their players were denied Visas and missed the trip, he was contended with the way his players battled in the two-legged fixture.

“We needed to win the game convincingly in the first leg at home but my players wasted numerous chances. Had we won the first meeting, then we could have qualified ahead of Al Hilal,” Odhiambo told People Sport.

“But it was a big challenge for us, especially travelling minus some of our players because they could not be able to get visas; and the reception we received in Libya was not the best, to say the least. We were not accorded a good reception as we did to them when they landed in Nairobi.”

However, Odhiambo believes they learnt some lessons, and will be ready for a better outing if they qualify again.

“We have learnt the lesson, though the hard way. But I am happy my players are satisfied with our journey despite ending at the first hurdle.”

Odhiambo further said Homeboyz will now shift their focus to the FKF Premier League where they are scheduled to face promoted outfit Murang’a Seal FC in their opener on Friday.