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AFC Leopards surrendered the Lidonde Cup after a 1-0 defeat to Kakamega Homeboyz in the final held at Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.

The path to the final saw AFC Leopards triumph over Mulembe United 1-0 in the first semi-final, while Kakamega Homeboyz secured their spot by defeating Nzoia Sugar 2-0.

Homeboyz eyeing revenge

The match was a chance for Homeboyz to seek revenge, having suffered a 2-0 loss to AFC Leopards in a recent FKF Premier League encounter.

The first half ended without goals, with both defences standing firm. In the second half, Homeboyz made key substitutions, including bringing in Eric Ambunya for the injured Enock Masinza.

Further changes, with Gospel Otieno and Davis Kasirye replacing Moses Shumah and Hillary Otieno just before the 75th minute, proved effective.

Kasirye, on the pitch for only two minutes, directed Stephen Opoku’s delivery into the net, securing the decisive goal. Homeboyz held on to win the match 1-0.

They are set to pocket Ksh 1 Million and while AFC Leopards are set to get Ksh 500, 000.

The Lidonde Cup, established by AFC Leopards, honours the club’s fallen legends. It was named after Elijah Lidonde, who captained AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars from 1950 to 1961 and passed away in September 1987.

AFC Leopards in 2022

The tournament, held over two days for the first time in July 2022 at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, featured teams such as Nzoia Sugar FC, Vihiga Bullets, Kakamega Homeboyz, and AFC Leopards.

In the 2022 edition, AFC Leopards emerged victorious with an 8-7 win in a post-match penalty shootout against Nzoia Sugar at Bukhungu Stadium.

The initial game had ended goalless, leading to the penalty shootout where AFC Leopards‘ goalkeeper, Maxwell Mulili, played a pivotal role in securing the championship.