Zetech Oaks secured a dramatic late victory, defeating former Kenya Cup side Homeboyz 17-10 in their KRU Championship opener at RFUEA Grounds on Saturday.
Homeboyz, relegated after 13 seasons in the top tier during which they contended for the league title three times, won the Enterprise Cup, and claimed two National 7s Circuit titles, were eager to make a strong statement in their Championship debut.
Zetech Oaks from Nationwide
However, they found themselves up against a determined Zetech Oaks side, fresh off their Nationwide League triumph.
The Deejayz began the match on the front foot, converting an early penalty to take a 3-0 lead. Zetech had chances to respond but Jack Mangale missed two successive penalties before finally finding his target in the 31st minute to level the scores at 3-3.
In the 36th minute, Zetech took the lead after Johnson Wafula’s well-executed kick behind the Homeboyz defense set up Anderson Oduor. Oduor capitalized on his break, using deft football skills to secure the opening try. The successful conversion stretched Zetech’s lead to 10-3.
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Homeboyz fought back in the second half, with Sospeter Yoga producing a moment of brilliance. Selling a dummy off the ruck, he dived over for a try, which was converted to tie the scores at 10-10.
With just four minutes remaining, Wafula again turned the tide for Zetech. Intercepting a pass from the Homeboyz backs, he sprinted clear to score the decisive try and added the conversion, sealing a 17-10 victory.
The win marks an impressive start for Zetech Oaks in the Championship as Homeboyz faces life outside the Kenya Cup.
Watch the whole match here:
