Flashback: When Kakamega Homeboyz' CAF Confederation Cup opponents last visited Nairobi six years ago

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FOOTBALL Flashback: When Kakamega Homeboyz' CAF Confederation Cup opponents last visited Nairobi six years ago

Festus Chuma 06:00 - 18.08.2023

A look back at Al Hilal's previous clash with Nairobi's football scene.

The buzz in local football circles is palpable as Al Hilal Benghazi, the renowned Libyan football club, returns to Kenyan soil after a long hiatus. 

Their journey to the heart of Kenya is marked by both storied successes and the challenges they have encountered in their history of club competitions. 

This weekend, they are set to lock horns with Kakamega Homeboyz in a highly anticipated CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round fixture at Nyayo National Stadium. 

As fans brace for another thrilling chapter in the club's saga, it is worth taking a nostalgic journey back to their last visit to Nairobi and their remarkable history in the competitive arena.

In February 2017, Al Hilal Benghazi graced Kenyan football fields during the CAF Confederation Cup, where they faced off against Ulinzi Stars. 

The clash was nothing short of exhilarating, with a combined scoreline of 5-4 (post-match penalties) favoring the Kenyan side over two legs. 

The tension and passion of that fixture left an indelible mark on both the local fans and the visiting Libyan contingent. 

The visitors may have bowed out by the slimmest of margins, but their spirited performance showcased their mettle on foreign turf.

The second leg at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, saw Al Hilal Benghazi attempt to defend a 1-0 win from the first leg in Cairo, Egypt.

However, Ulinzi Stars' Samuel Onyango had different plans, striking a brilliantly weighted shot in the 18th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for the home side. 

The goal not only leveled the tie but also intensified the atmosphere inside the stadium, amplifying the sense of competition and anticipation.

Amidst the excitement, there was a peculiar moment that briefly disrupted the flow of the game. Faisal Albadari's raised hands in the ninth minute, obstructing an incoming ball, left everyone baffled. 

Though he escaped with a yellow card, the incident set the tone for a game that was marked by intensity, determination, and occasional flashes of unexpected drama.

Controversy also extended off the field, as there were uncertainties about the first leg being delayed due to a letter from the CAF requesting venue confirmation. 

Stepping beyond the Saturday match itself, Al Hilal Benghazi's journey through the years encapsulates their commitment to growth.

Development milestones have been etched into the club's DNA, from significant infrastructure enhancements to meticulously crafted strategic plans. 

Their journey is not just confined to the pitch but extends to creating a holistic experience for their players and fans.

As the CAF Confederation Cup encounter against Kakamega Homeboyz looms large, Al Hilal Benghazi finds itself at a crossroads of history.

Memories of their previous visit to Nairobi resurface, serving as a reminder of their resilience and the ever-evolving nature of football. 

The evolution of the club and the sport is mirrored in their journey from Cairo to Nairobi – an embodiment of the essence of competition, camaraderie, and unyielding passion.

The Nyayo National Stadium is poised to witness a clash of titans, as Kakamega Homeboyz and Al Hilal Benghazi lock horns once again. 

While the Libyans may be thousands of miles away from their home turf, the camaraderie they share with their Kenyan counterparts and the rich history they bring to the table will undoubtedly make this encounter one for the ages.