Homeboyz made to sweat by Shalimar as Equity shock Mara Sugar

FOOTBALL Homeboyz made to sweat by Shalimar as Equity shock Mara Sugar

Festus Chuma 13:53 - 05.03.2023

Equity and Kakamega Homeboyz are the latest sides to book a place in the FKF Cup last 16.

Mara Sugar FC have been dumped out of the FKF Cup after going down 2-0 to third-tier side Equity FC while Kakamega Homeboyz needed penalties to advance past a stubborn Shalimar FC. 

Mara Sugar threatened to break the deadlock in the opening minute when Victor Ngume curled a shot narrowly wide off the right post from range.

Equity responded quickly and they got the opener in the third minute through Ghanaian striker Kwame Anim.

Samuel Otieno came close in the 21st minute with a shot from distance but Equity defender Oscar Lusomo managed to clear the ball from the line with goalkeeper Vincent Khatili well beaten.

The Sugar Millers continued to create a lot of chances and could have been well-clear were it not for casual finishing.

Equity hanged on whilst Mara asked all the questions as the Bankers went into the half leading 1-0.

The Bankers were almost punished by Mara when a sloppy pass gifted the ball straight to Brian Ochieng just on the edge of the right-hand side of the box and the Mara midfielder drilled a low effort which Khatili did well to keep out with his legs as Equity breathed a sigh of relief. 

Soon after Oscar Lusomo fouled Samuel Otieno on the edge of the area. Eric Ngiela stepped up and curled a promising effort over the wall towards the right top corner, but Khatili was across comfortably for a catch.

Equity kept calm and extended their lead in the 62nd minute when Derick Odhiambo rose high and nodded in Kevin Ambala’s cross into the back of the net.

Mara managed to score a consolation goal in the 81st minute with Brian Ochieng firing past Khatili.

The visitors did have a late chance to net a third goal through Philemon Nyakwaya's rasping shot following a scramble in the area, but it was easily collected by Khatili, as Equity held on to a famous win.

Meanwhile, Kakamega Homeboyz sneaked into the FKF Cup Round of 16 after beating Shalimar 4-3 on penalties following a 0-0 regulation time score.