Nairobi City Stars will be looking to end their torrid run when they host Kakamega Homeboyz on Friday, 14th February 2025 at Dandora Stadium. The match kicks off at 1 PM and will be broadcast live on Azam TV.
City Stars in Desperate Need of a Turnaround
The hosts find themselves in dire straits, sitting 17th on the 18-team league table with just 18 points from 20 matches. Their record of four wins, six draws, and ten losses has left them firmly in the relegation zone. Their last victory came on December 7, 2024, against Murang’a SEAL, and since then, they have endured an eight-match winless run.
Newly appointed head coach Salim Babu, who also serves as the Kenya U20 national team coach, is still searching for his first win since replacing Nicholas Muyoti. Babu has managed one draw and two losses in his opening three games, the most recent being a 1-1 draw against fellow relegation strugglers Bidco United. Gilbert Abala was the scorer in that match, but City Stars failed to capitalize on the opportunity to move out of the danger zone.
Adding to their woes, City Stars will be without their star forward Mohamed Ali Bajaber, who recently joined Kenya Police FC after netting four goals this season. The team must now find new attacking inspiration to revive their fortunes.
Kakamega Homeboyz Aiming to Extend Unbeaten Run
In contrast, Kakamega Homeboyz come into this fixture in a rich vein of form. The Francis Baraza-coached side is eighth on the table with 27 points from 20 matches, having won six, drawn nine, and lost five. They have not lost in their last ten outings, though six of those matches ended in draws.
Their most recent encounter was a goalless draw against Ulinzi Stars, but their last five matches have seen them secure three wins and two draws. Homeboyz’s defensive solidity has been a key factor, with goalkeeper Simon Masaka keeping four consecutive clean sheets.
Off the pitch, the club received a financial boost after Mozzartbet Kenya Limited renewed its sponsorship deal, a partnership that has been in place since 2020.
Head-to-Head Record
History slightly favors Kakamega Homeboyz, who have won four of their previous meetings against City Stars, while losing three and drawing six. The biggest winning margin in this fixture is two goals, a feat Homeboyz has achieved three times. Their most thrilling encounter was a 4-4 draw on January 20, 2022. In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Homeboyz secured a 2-0 victory.
Key Absentees and Players to Watch
City Stars will need to sharpen their attack in the absence of Bajaber, while Homeboyz will bank on their in-form striker Moses Shummah. The forward has scored eight goals this season and currently sits third in the league’s top scorers’ chart. However, Homeboyz will also need to cope without creative midfielder Ben Stanley Omondi, who recently joined Gor Mahia.
Match Outlook
With City Stars desperate to break their winless run and Homeboyz aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak, this promises to be an intense battle. The hosts will be fighting for survival, while the visitors seek to edge closer to the top.
Will City Stars claim a much-needed victory, or will Homeboyz’s resilience continue? Football fans can catch all the action live on Azam TV.
