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Fred Likuyani and Charles Thuku

AFC Leopards’ preparedness for the new season came under huge scrutiny yesterday when Kakamega Homebpyz handed them a 1-0 defeat on the opening day of the 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League campaign.

In what was a fast-paced and entertaining encounter at Bukhungu Stadium, Homeboyz started strongly with Allan Wanga, Ali Bhai and Steven Etyang proving dangerous to the visitors’ porous backline, winning the first corner as early as the fourth minute.

Four minutes later, Homeboyz defender Kennedy Onyango saw his free header hit the post with the rebound from David Odhiambo going wide when Leopards’ custodian Benjamin Ochan was already beaten.

As the first half progressed, Leopards settled into the match with Malian international Ismail Diarra seeing his shot inside the box blocked by Homeboyz defender George Odiwour.

After the break, Peter Thiong’o made a powerful run on the right-wing before releasing an inviting cross that found Odhiambo inside the box but his effort went wide.

Leopards’ fate was sealed in the 83rd minute after Christopher Masinza, who came in for Allan Wanga, spotted an unmarked Etyang on the left. Etyang cut inside before releasing a curling shot to give Homeboyz what turned out to be the winner.

At Kericho Green Stadium, home team Zoo FC secured a convincing 3-1 victory over visiting Chemelil Sugar.

Kepha Ondati gave Zoo the lead in the 56th minute before Derrick Onami handed them a two-goal advantage in the 72nd minute.

Newton Ondari then put the issue beyond doubt with the third in the 80th minute.