Action between Kakamega Homeboyz and Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium on Saturday/ANGWENYI GICHANA

Despite dropping to fourth on the SportPesa Premier League table, Kakamega Homeboyz coach Patrick Odhiambo insists they remain firmly in the title race.

Homeboyz slipped after a 1-0 loss to Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium on Sunday. Kenya Police moved above them into third after thrashing AFC Leopards 3-0 at Nyayo National Stadium.

Police now have 47 points, while Homeboyz and Shabana are tied on 46, with the Kakamega side ahead on goal difference. Odhiambo dismissed suggestions that the race is only between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia.

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“With six games to go, I believe we are still in the title race. We will continue fighting until the last day. In football, anything can happen,” said Odhiambo.

The coach said his side showed enough desire despite the defeat. “We had a lot of hopes in winning this game, but it was not our day. We had our chances, but we didn’t utilise them.

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Shabana got two and utilised one. We have now set our targets on the next game against KCB, which is a must-win for us,” he said. Odhiambo added that the team must tighten up defensively after conceding what he termed easy goals. Shabana assistant coach Andrew Ongwae said a top-three finish remains their realistic ambition.

“A top-three finish is possible, but our main target is to finish in a better position than last season,” said Ongwae. Shabana have been under interim guidance following recent technical bench changes, with former Murang’a Seal coach Osborne Monday joining the set-up as first assistant coach.

Reflecting on the Homeboyz win, Ongwae said the result was vital in closing the gap on the leading teams. “We wanted a win so that we could close the gap on Kakamega Homeboyz and other teams that are on top of us. Now we are equal on points with Homeboyz,” he said.

Shabana now turn attention to a crucial clash against the Kenya Police. “It’s a home game, and I anticipate that against the law enforcers, we shall go for maximum points. It’s a game we shall take with the seriousness it deserves,” noted Ongwae. He added that the Police fixture will also serve as preparation for their Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 16 match.