Kenya 2 Togo 1: Wanga scored the winner to give Kenya a win over Togo.

The African Cup of Nations qualifiers for the tournament itself in 2013 kicked off this mid week. And in Nairobi, Kenya faced The Sparrow Hawks of Togo.

Both James Situma and Allan Wanga scored for Harambee Stars in a two one win over Togo.

This was a game of two teams with different strategies – one attacking and the other sitting deep and depending on quick balls.

STARTING XI



The Starting XI



Francis Kimanzi started with Victor Wanyama in the holding midfield role, Jamal Muhammed and Titus Mulama ahead of him with MacDonald Mariga opting not to play.

In attack, Allan Wanga was the centre-forward with Dennis Oliech and Kevin Kimani the wide players.

Togo’s Didier Six played three centre-backs – Nigombe Dare, Akakpo Serge and Sedate Oroakoriko. And in the absence of Emmanuel Adebayor, Gakpe Serge was the lone forward.

KENYA’S FORMATION

Francis Kimanzi played his favoured 4-3-3 formation with the midfield three forming a triangle.

James Situma was beside Pascal Ochieng in central defense, Osborne Monday was the right full back and Dennis Odhiambo provided width on the left full back position. In the midfield, Victor Wanyama played the just ahead of the defense line with Titus Mulama and Jamal Mohammed in front of him. This provided an extra man in the midfield third against Togo’s two – 3v2.

In attack, Dennis Oliech started on the left wing and Kevin Kimani on the right. They occasionally swapped positions as the game progressed. Allan Wanga was the centre forward.

TOGO’S FORMATION

Didier Six was happy to see his team sit deep. He played with a 5-4-1 formation with the full backs moving forward to join in attack.

Nigombe Dare, Akakpo Serge and Sedate Oroakoriko were the three centre-backs and in full-back position, Donou Kokou was in the right and Maman Abdoul the left full back. Abdoul had the freedom to push high up when they had the ball and in the second half, he did cut in to the midfield – a rare movement though because Kenya had a greater share in terms of possession.

In central midfield, Ronao Alexis played just off Salifou Mustapha who was ahead of him. Right winger Segbefia Prince stretched the game wide with his excellent pace and trickery while on the left wing, Razak Boukari drifted in from wide areas. Gakpe Serge was left isolated in attack.
Though after they conceded the second goal, they played with a 5-3-2 formation when they had the ball and 5-4-1 without it. Segbefia Prince played off the substitute Guedje Cyrill and occasionally dropped back to midfield when they lost the ball.

KENYA PLAYED WELL

Harambee Stars passed the ball brilliantly in the midfield with Wanyama sitting deep, Mulama and Jamal playing ahead of him with less defensive responsibilities, they linked up very well. Again with a 4-3-3 system, Kenya had an extra man in midfield. Though Boukari came infield, it was when Togo had the ball but when they lost it, he went back to his position.

And when Collins Okoth replaced Jamal, he moved deeper to join Wanyama, inverting the triangle with Mulama in the hole – or Humphrey Mieno who replaced Mulama later on.

TOGO SAT DEEP
The 5-4-1 formation says it all. Togo were happy to invite pressure from Kenya before breaking forward with quick balls – which rarely happened. The fullbacks didn’t move forward and this made the defense line very tight to break down. The centre forward, Serge was isolated in attack and didn’t provide much threat to Kenya’s defenders.

They didn’t pose any major threat to Harambee Stars when it came to attacking.

The Starting XI after all changes were made.

CONCLUSION

The nature of how the goals were created – a set piece and poor clearance by their defender and scored their goal from  a set piece - describes how defensive Togo were when in open play and how Togo were poor when it came to transition.

A deserving win for Kenya who played well the entire game.

Francis Kimanzi’s changes made no tactical change to the team.

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AFC Leopards 2 Oserian FC 0: Ingwe go top after a spectacular win over Oserian.

Allan Wanga scored his first of the season while Mike Baraza came off the bench to score putting AFC Leopards at the top of the Kenya Premier League pile.

STARTING XI


The Starting XI


 Jaan Koops made one change to the side that beat Mathare United last week. Jonas Nahimana on international duties wasn’t available and Amon Muchiri came in as his replacement. Martin Imbalambala dropped back to defense with Erick Masika alongside him. Allan Wanga the lone forward.

Oserian started with David Seda and Tom Onyango in central defense and Peter Chikani just behind Paul Odhiambo.

AFC LEOPARDS FORMATION

Ingwe set up in a similar 4-1-4-1 formation they used last week against Mathare United - they used a 4-4-2 against Chemelil Sugar on day one.
With Jonas Nahimana out of the squad, Martin Imbalambala dropped to defense and the incoming Amon Muchiri played just ahead of the defense. This meant Bernard Mang’oli was high up beside Khamis Salim.

Jimmy Bagaye did drift in from the left and Charles Okwemba on the right. Allan Wanga was the lone striker.

Muchiri did drop deep towards the centre backs a couple of times and gave the full backs – especially Abbas Kiwalabye – the freedom to move up and join in attack.

OSERIAN POSITIONING

They played with a flat 4-4-2 system without the ball and 4-1-2-1-2 with it.

In central midfield, David Seda partnered Tom Onyango and in the full back positions, Daniel Amuom was on the left and Franklin Osama on the right.

Ben Barasa broke forward to add more numbers in attack when Oserian had the ball and the wingers – Peter Waruguru on the left and Keipas Mutuu on the right – drifted in to give options to the ball carrier. Oserian never threatened from the flanks.

In a split forward, Peter Chikani was a bit behind Paul Odhiambo. Chikani dropped away from AFC’s back four and he got picked out by Muchiri.

SUBSTITUTION

Four changes were made, two from each side.

And in Oserian’s case, they made no significant change to the system to their formation. They were direct changes – Peter Waruguru was replaced by Tirus Oyuki and Peter Chikani paved way for Gordon Okoth.

One AFC Leopards’ substitution did change player movement in attack. But it didn’t affect the configuration and in fact the second change was an injury forced one – Abbas Kiwalabye was forced off with an injury in dying minutes and was replaced by Robert Syongoh.

Charles Okwemba’s withdrawal brought a slight and different movement in Ingwe’s attack. He was replaced by a forward Mike Baraza and he went to the left flank and Bageya moved to the right. Unlike when they had Okwemba, Baraza and Bageya now moved in freely to fill the void created behind by Wanga who went wide to receive the ball but when they lost it, they went back to their assigned positions.

CONCLUSION

It is hard to think of what Sammy Otinga could have done differently to have himself back in the game because Ingwe dominant and deservedly won both halves.

Bernard Mang’oli’s partnership with Khamis Salim is proving to be a good one. Both players now do have options to play passes to and make up a good combination – one combative one skillful. A convincing win for AFC Leopards who played brilliantly the entire game.

There was no tactical change in this game from both managers; they maintained what they started with for the entire game.

Mathare United 0 AFC Leopards 2; a brilliant performance gave Ingwe their first win of the season.

AFC Leopards registered its first win of the new season with goals from Jimmy Bagaye and Bernard Mang’oli giving Ingwe a two nil win over Mathare United.

STARTING XI

The Starting XI

Jaan Koops made three changes to the starting XI that drew with Chemelil Sugar last week. Martin Imbalambala, Jimmy Bageya and Allan Wanga came in places of Oscar Kadenge, Victor Ochieng’ and Mike Baraza.

Kingi started with Lloyd Wahome and Anthony Kimani in central defense. Dennis Nzomo and Tirus Omondi as the holding midfielders and Francis Ouma as the lone striker.

AFC LEOPARDS’ FORMATION

The team sheet had three players who can play as centre back – and who have in the past played as centre backs for Ingwe; Martin Imbalambala, Jonas Nahimana and Erick Masika. The question was where or how will the three plays.

Koops maintained Nahimana and Masika in central defense and Imbalambala took his place just ahead of the back four. This meant Bernard Mang’oli was pushed high up. At first Mang’oli seemed to be sitting deep with Imbalambala but he played high up with Salim Khamis and the two were flanked by Bageya to the right and Okwemba to the left. Allan Wanga was alone in the striking position in what was a 4-1-4-1 formation.

MATHARE UNITED POSITIONING

Mathare United played almost the entire game with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Dennis Nzomo and Tirus Omomdi the double pivot. Behind Francis Ouma – the lone forward – were Andrew Tololwa, David Mwaura and debutant Jamal Mohammed the attacking midfielder.

AFC Leopards started the match the brighter side and made good passes in the midfield but as the game progressed, both side got in to the game.

And Ingwe took the lead by capitalizing on a mistake made by Mathare’s defense and the goal keeper.

Despite having a decent performance in terms of possession against the brilliant AFC Leopards, Mathare could not threaten.

SECOND HALF

AFC Leopards clearly were the better side between the two and they started the second half just as they did in the first half period and they were awarded with a goal in the opening stages.

·         A brilliant cut in and dribbling by the left full back Abbassi Kiwalabye,

·         Wanga who had drifted to his right was available to receive the through pass from Abbassi and cross it in,

·         Mang’oli who moved up to occupy the space left behind by Wanga, met the ball and neatly scored.

With a two goal deficit, Mathare didn’t change it formation. It was only Mwaura and Tololwa who occasionally switched position.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Andrew Tololwa being replaced by Gabriel Nduru seemed to be a direct change and it had no effect on the formation. And also when Jamal Mohammed was replaced by Anthony Khadudu, he was positioned behind the centre forward.

Jesse Were’s introduction changed the system. He replaced Dennis Nzomo. Mathare United switched to a 4-4-2 formation as they tried to get themselves back in the game. Were joined Ouma in attack. Omondi moved up to join Nduru, Khadudu and Mwaura in a flat midfield of four.

Ingwe used only two of its reserve players, Victor Ochieng – a forward - replaced Charles Okwemba – a midfielder - and they switched to a 4-3-3. Bageya moved up on his left, Ochieng played as the outside right and Allan Wanga the centre forward.  In the midfield, Imbalambala was at the base, Salim and Mang’oli side by side ahead of him in a triangle-esque shape.

Finally Bageya went off and was replaced by Mike Baraza who seemed to have the freedom to play in any position towards the end of the match. He was an outside left, dropped deep on the flank and even came into the central midfield position.

CONCLUSION

Jaan Koops got his strategy right by playing Martin Imbalambala in deep position. He dictated the tempo of the match and was more composed when playing his passes. He created attacks from his deep position.

Jimmy Bageya was excellent in his wide position. His dribbling and trickery when cutting in from wide area was vital in most of AFC Leopards’ attacks.

Mathare United rarely caused problems in AFC’s goal and were the second best teams. Jamal’s performance gave Kingi a positive point to take out of the game.

Tusker 0 APR 0: Tusker fail to break down the deep defense while APR couldn’t counter.

Tusker FC were held to a barren draw by the APR of Rwanda in their first leg match of the CAF Champions League.

STARTING XI



The Startin XI

Sammy Omollo made three changes to the starting XI that beat City Stars last week in the Kenyan Premier League. Boniface Oluoch, Brian Mandela and Dennis Makaisi started rather than Samuel Odhiambo, Charles Odete and Fredrick Ojwang’.

APR’s Ernie Brandts started with Mbuya Twite and Alex de Avila Peixoto as the centre backs, Jean Mugiranenza and Faty Papi in central midfield and in the attack, Douglas Lopez partnered Olivier Karekezi.

OPENING PHASE

The game lacked clear chances in its opening stages with both team trying to settle into the game. And they also had most of the play in the midfield area.

The 3 v 2 in the midfield gave Tusker the clear-cut advantage against their opponents in terms of possession and control of the game. Fredrick Onyango and Peter Opiyo were just ahead of Joseph Mbugi who was at the base of the midfield triangle. In APR’s midfield, Mugiranenza was just ahead of the defense line and Papi just in front of him.

Twite Kabange stayed close to Tusker’s outside left – either Paul Were or Patrick Kagogo who switched positions very often – and came infield when his side had the ball to provide support.

APR’S FORMATION

APR started this game with a 4-4-2 formation. Johnson Bagoole and Habib Kavuma were the full backs.  Jean Mugiranenza started in the holding midfield role while Faty Papi broke forward to join in attack when they had the ball. Douglas Lopez and Olivier Karekezi stayed side by side in striking position. But they didn’t see much of the ball in the first half period.

In wide areas, Diego Oliviera stretched the game wide on the left flank and he was majorly used as the outlet by his team mates. Twite Eugene Kabange drifted in to the midfielders.

The two forwards – Karekezi and Lopez – were rarely provided a threat. Karekezi went wide to the right leaving Lopez as a lone striker but still couldn’t get anything out of it as Tusker had most the ball in the first half period.

JEAN MUGIRANENZA

In APR’s midfield, Mugiranenza sat the deepest allowing his partner Faty Papi the freedom to move forward - forming a rare 4-1-2-1-2 formation.

But as the game progressed, he seemed to be more mobile than just sitting ahead of the back four. He dropped back in between the APR’s defense line forming a back five, he man marked Onyango when he moved high up and sometimes even found himself behind the defense line.

SECOND HALF

Tusker still was the better side in terms of possession when the second half started but couldn’t break down APR’s defense. Both actually did create fewer chances when going forward in the second half period; Tusker played around with the ball while APR were happy to sit deep hoping to exploit Tusker’s wide areas when they won the ball.

Set pieces provided chances to both teams but couldn’t capitalise on them.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Tusker used all its three substitutes while APR used two of its reserve players. Three of the five changes made by both team did bring in some tactical changes but the other two didn’t affect the system of either team.

Earlier in the game, Tusker lost Joseph Mbugi due to an injury and was replaced by Maurice Odipo. Odipo stayed side by side with Opiyo to form the double pivot in the midfield while Onyango pushed high up the pitch in what seemed to be a 4-2-1-3 formation.

Obadiah Ndege replaced Patrick Kagogo and he went on to join Mukaisi in the striking position. Maurice Odipo shifted to the right flank, Fred Onyango dropped deep to partner Opiyo and Paul Were on the left flank. The final substitution was a direct swap, taking out a substitute Maurice Odipo – who at this time was playing on the right flank - and replacing him with Fred Ajwang’ in that position.

APR took off Douglas Lopez and replaced him with Dan Wagaluka. They switched to a 4-2-3-1 with Mugiranenza and Papi the double pivot, Wagaluka on the right flank Oliviera on the left and Twite E. Kabange behind the lone forward Karekezi. Oliviera was taken off later in the game and in his place came Jean-Claude Iranzi but it didn’t really affect APR’s system.

CONCLUSION

Tusker did what they were able to do – keep the ball and pass it around – but couldn’t break down APR’s defense line as they lacked that key pass to unlock their opponent’s defense. The lack of a player to play defense spitting passes was evident in this match.

They also had some flashes of improvement in the attack when Obadiah Ndege came on as a substitute.

APR’s defense remained intact for the entire game but they were poor when it came to transition and could not create chances when they won the ball.

AFC Leopards 0 Chemelil 0: Both team unable to unlock each others defense.

“4 – AFC Leopards have now failed to score in the 1st match for the 4^th consecutive season. Held.” 89_59football.

STARTING XI

The starting XI

In the absence of Martin Imbalambala, Jaan Koops went with Erick Masika and Jonas Nahimana in central defense. Bernard Mang’oli was just ahead of the defense and behind Salim Khamis. Mike Baraza and Victor Ochieng’ were the twin strikers.

Edward Manoah started David Ojwang’ and Victor Omondi as the double pivot and Haji Mwachoki as the lone striker.

CHEMELIL'S FORMATION

Chemelil started the game in a low note as AFC Leopards were dominant in the opening periods of the game.

Edward Manoah started with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Ojwang’ and Omondi the holding midfielders. Wycliffe Odhiambo, Daniel Mutahi and Georson Likonoh were behind the lone forward Mwachoki. But as the game progressed, Chemelil got themselves into the game and it was evenly balanced between both sides at opening half.

Chemelil switched to a 4-1-4-1 formation before the break with Victor Omondi leaving his holding duties to join Likonoh, Mutahi and Odhiambo behind Haji Mwachoki. Having to holding midfieders wasn’t essential in the end because Salim didn’t move up on several occasions and having one holding midfielder plus the two centre backs provided a 3 v 2 when it came to marking Ingwe’s forwards.

At this point, the game was mostly played in the midfield third.

 

SECOND HALF

AFC Leopards started the second half the brighter side. The more AFC Leopards made no real threat, the Chemelil settled into the game defensively and Edward Manoah made no changes to his side.

Charles Okwemba and Oscar Kadenge switched positions occasionally in an attempt to penetrate Chemelil. While Mike Baraza dropped deep to link up with the midfielders. Salim moving even more high up as he tried to play that crucial pass in the final third.

SUBSTITUTIONS

In the seventieth minute, Jaan Koops made two changes to his side. Jimmy Bageya came on for Oscar Kadenge and Victor Ochieng’ paved way for Laurent Tumba. Tumba moved to the left, Okwemba to the right and Baraza behind the main man Bageya. At this point, penetrating through the centre was the only option. Okwemba and Tumba occasionally left the wide areas to midfield and Barza dropped deep to provide options.

Manoah replied by bringing on Tonny Opondo in place of Wycliffe Odhiambo and Peter Mwachi replaced Georsen Likonoh. He then switched back to a 4-2-3-1 system with Mwachi and David Ojwang’ as the double pivot. David Mutahi moved to the left, Opondo to the right and Victor Omondi in the centre. Haji Mwachoki still the lone forward. It gave Chemelil a good defensive core as AFC Leopards controlled the game in the later stages.

CONCLUSION

A fair result for both teams who matched themselves strategically - Edward Manoah was cautious with his team and thus sat deep to contain AFC Leopards’ attack and it worked brilliantly. Jaan Koops played his normal proactive football but in the end couldn’t turn possession to goals.

Victor Ochieng’ had a silent game on his league debut against his former club while former Gor Mahia player Haji Mwachoki had a decent game as a lone forward for Chemelil.

Neither side worked enough to score a goal.

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Tusker 2 City Stars 1: Tusker come from a goal down to win.

Noah Abich scores from the spot give Tusker FC its first win of the season.

STARTING XI

The starting XI

Sammy Omollo made two changes to the side that started against Gor Mahia in the DSTV Super Cup last week. Humphrey Okoti was withdrawn and a last minute change meant Brian Mandela got his place on the bench. In their place was the introduction of Charles Odete and Noah Abich.

City Stars started with John Amboko and Francis Akong'o in central defense, Victor Okullu and Dennis Omondi in central midfield. And Francis Thairu just behind Dan Sserunkuma in attack.

CITY STARS FORMATION

City played with a 4-4-1-1 system with Francis Thairu operating behind the main man Dan Sserunkuma. In the midfield, Victor Okullu stayed close to his midfield partner Dennis Omondi. But with City sitting deep Thairu dropped deep to join up the midfielders leaving Sserunkuma as a lone striker - a 4-5-1 – to position himself ahead of Victor Okullu and Dennis Omondi who stuck together at the base of the midfield. This provided a good defensive core as they tried to contain Tusker’s attack.

Dan Sserunkuma played well in finding space to receive the ball but was poor in holding it up for of the players to join in attacking. He’s tricky, that’s why he created the space for himself but he’s physically disadvantaged and he lost the ball to Tusker’s defenders easily. And this was a major problem to a side that wanted to break. Perhaps this explains the reason why they had a few open chances.

To Tusker, it became difficult to break up the City’s defense block in the first half. They had the ball they needed but could not get it through the channels.

SECOND HALF

Five minutes into the second half and there was no major tactical switch, then Omollo made two changes. Patrick Kagogo came off for Obadiah Ndege and Fredrick Onyango paved way for Jerry Santos.

And switch to a 4-4-2 system followed. Joseph Mbugi moved wide to the left, Paul Were remained in the right flank and Jerry Santos stayed behind Peter Opiyo in the midfield. Fredrick Onyango joined Obadiah Ndege in the attack.

This reduced the number of Tusker players in the midfield and with City’s Thairu in deep position; it was a 3 v 2 in favour of City. And they capitalized immediately by going up one nil. Tusker equalized and grabbed the winner before City could really settle at the back.

City Stars made their first changes in the seventy fifth minute by introducing Justus Basweti in David King’atua’s place and Victor Okullu was replaced by Boniface Onyango. The changes brought a slight twist in their formation as they tried to come back. A 4-4-1-1 to a diamond 4-4-2 formation.

Substitute Boniface Onyango sat deep allowing Francis Akongo to move up and Francis Thairu paired up with Dan Sserunkuma in the attack. The other sub Joshua Basweti moved to the left flank. This changed the game and City was the attacking team at this stage but couldn’t score as Tusker looked to protect their lead.

CONCLUSION

A cautious game by both sides who didn’t play to their best. Tusker could not find the creativity and skillful passing in the final third as they tried to penetrate City Stars’ defense. On the other hand, City played well defensively for a majority of the game but when it came to transition, they were wasteful.

A good win for the champions as they look forward to defending their title.

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Erick Masika: Provides flexibility and pace at the back.

Since the arrival of Jaan Koops, AFC Leopards have transformed the way they approach play compared to the torrid time the club underwent before his tenure begun. They are now a proactive side; prefer passing the ball round trying to penetrate rather than just running up and down. They also try and suffocate the opponents when they lose the ball.

Last season, AFC Leopards played with a back four that quickly changed to a back three with one full back pushing high up to join up with the midfield band and the other full back sticking with the two centre backs; a 4-3-3 that quickly changed to a 3-3-1-3 formation.

PEACE CUP




AFC Leopards' Starting XI against
Gor Mahia in
the Peace Cup Final.



Against Gor Mahia in the Peace Cup, Koops started with a 4-3-3 formation with Edwin Wafula and Abbas Kiwalabye the full backs, Martin Imbalambala and Jonas Nahimana the centre backs. In the midfield was Bernard Mang’oli at the base, Charles Okwemba drifting in from left and Oscar Kadenge staying wide to his right. In attack, Laurent Tumba and Victor Ochieng’ were the outside forwards and Mike Baraza the centre forward.

As the game progressed, player movements in the pitch were decent and the players themselves were tactically aware. They moved in and out the pitch to form a 3-3-1-3 formation. This gave them a decent number of players high up the pitch and, of course, fluidity as the try to pass and press.

Abbas Kilabwaaye, the left fullback had the freedom to move up and Charles Okwemba drifted in and operated behind the front three. At the back, Jonas Nahimana, Martin Imbalambala and Edwin Wafula did spread to form a back three.

The addition of Erick Masika is fascinating in regard to what Jaan Koops is trying to do in the “Den”.





A focused Erick Masika.



Erick Masika is a brilliant all-rounded defender no doubt about that; his no-nonsense defending, last-ditch tackles and late runs in to the box will be very important to AFC Leopards come next season.

Not only is he a good centre back, his ability to move forward and attack with his team mates, his passing ability, speed, and how he’s able to read the game is superb. And a plus is that he is comfortable on the ball.

A few points (three actually) on his move to Ingwe:

PACE

Perhaps maybe the reason he was signed is because of his pace. As I pointed out earlier about AFC Leopards pushing up, their back line wasn’t that fast and it altered the positioning of the other team members as they are forced to stay back while waiting to pick up the ball and move.

Moving masses high up helps in countering the opponents’ attack away from the danger zone. And they should be able to do this at a faster rate; Masika’s movement could be used as a benchmark by the other defenders in ensuring they move away from their goal as he moves.

SUPPORT

Another thing is support play. Or should I say cover? When the fullbacks push forward, their ‘room’ should be well covered to avoid exploitation by the opposing wide men. Am not saying that Masika will do the “donkey work” here but with his intelligence, he should screen his friends who have joined the other players in attacking. And as a cover he’ll confront the other opponent and move across him in order to delay play and in the mean time, the others are recovering.

If he’s to support, then he might be forced to stay a bit deeper as the other players move up to screen the back line  – which he can do very well.

FORMATION




AFC in attack. Note how Okwemba has
positioned himself behind the
forwards.

  



Jaan Koops played the 3-3-1-3 last season. As a way of flexibility in terms of formation, he has a versatile Erick Masika. If he played a 1-3-3-3, he might deploy him as the deep centre back to patrol the back line and to cover up if a mistake is made. Masika can still play as the stopper ahead of the back line to counter attacks up the centre in a 3-1-4-2 formation. He gives his coach several options to choose from.

Just conclude, it’s still arguable where and how Erick Masika will play with his new team. But he gives Ingwe the flexibility and fluidity they need as Koops tries to install his ideas to the club. AFC Leopards are lucky to have him.

Ingwe’s first game of the season is against a side that played vertically for the majority of last season; Chemelil Sugar. He might get his league debut against them, an opportunity to see how he'll start off in his new club.

Undoubtedly, he is one of the best if not the best defender in the country. Under good coaches and managers he will surely develop to his very best and might even reach the heights set by likes of Musa Otieno, Josephat Murila, Jonathan Niva etc etc

Tusker 1 Gor Mahia 1: Tusker maintained its tight defense and in the end won the cup on penalty shoot outs.

Tusker beat Gor Mahia on penalties to lift the DSTV Super Cup. Gor Mahia controlled the midfield area in the second half but couldn’t break a disciplined Tusker defense.

STARTING LINE UPS.



The starting line-ups.



Anaba Awono made four changes to the side that drew against Al Merreikh last week. Iva Mapunda a replacement for Jerrim Onyango in goal, Donald Mosoti, Moses Odhiambo and George Midenyo were all given a start.

Joseph Shikokoti wasn’t available for selection for Tusker who instead had Brian Mandela and Humphrey Okoti in central defense and with Crispin Olando missing through injury, Joseph Mbugi deputised as the anchor.

EARLY STAGES

Gor Mahia started with a 4-4-1-1 formation with David Owino and Donald Mosoti as the centre backs, Musa Muhammed on right fullback and Yusuf Juma continued in his favourable left fullback. In the midfield third, Rama Salim stayed close to Collins Okoth, Victor Ali on the right, Moses Odhiambo on the left flank and Baldin Ngwa just behind George Midenyo.

This worked in favour of Okoth – a ball winner. He’s good when playing with another player alongside him, unlike when he plays alone in the holding role. Salim took balls off him and was able to spray it wide and forward to the rest players.

Tusker’s intentions were clear; maintain a well intact defense and move the ball forward at a very quick rate. They played the entire game with an unchanged 4-3-3 formation. In the defense line, Jockins Atudo played on the right fullback; Isaac Otieno in the left fullback and in central defense, Humphrey Okoti partnered Brian Mandela to his left. The midfield three formed a triangle with Joseph Mbugi at the base Fredrick Onyango and Peter Opiyo were ahead of him. Patrick Kagogo stayed wide on the left, Paul Were cutting in from the right and Fredrick Ojwang’ the centre forward.

With Gor Mahia having Salim deep in the midfield, this worked well in favour of Joseph Ndugi. No one was directly ahead of him and had all the room he needed in construct attacks from his deep position. Baldin Ngwa dropped deep but couldn’t disrupt his play – he had a problem with his injury.

The first half period was evenly balanced.

SECOND HALF.

Gor Started the second half on a higher note. They made a tactical change by withdrawing George Midenyo, a centre forward and replaced him with Kevin Ochieng’, a wing back. This also was followed by a change in formation – a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Kevin Ochieng’ moved to right back, Musa Muhammed played as a holding midfielder pushing Collins “Gattuso” Okoth just ahead of him – a bit box-to-box. Moses Odhiambo maintained his left flank. Rama Salim moved to the right wing, Victor Ali became more centrally positioned and Ngwa as the lone forward.

It went according to Awono’s intentions: move a combative player – in this case Gattuso – to close down Tusker’s Joseph Mbugi - who had space in the first half period to dictate the flow of the game - and to get the wide players, Rama Salim and Moses Odhiambo, to drift in and create space for the fullbacks to stretch the game wide. This worked well for a few minutes before Baldin Ngwa started limping and couldn’t play on.

At this point you’d expect Demonde Selenga to come on – in fact he started warming up ahead of the rest – but Anthony Akumu replaced Ngwa. Formation was maintained but change in personnel. Musa Muhammed went back to right back and Kevin Ochieng’ to right wing. Akumu stayed behind Gattuso. Rama Salim played as an attacking midfielder and Victor Ali to the left. Moses Odhiambo the striker – a major setback.

Having Moses Odhiambo as a striker – probably one of the shortest players on the pitch – wasn’t a bright move. The fullbacks stretched the pitch brilliantly and turning crosses in only to be met by the towering Tusker's central defenders. Odhiambo has the trickery but his height and poor aerial ability meant that the crosses were wasted.

Tusker maintained a well organised defense line that sat deep and stayed close to each other to prevent passes through the channels. They were able to contain Gor Mahia’s attacks very well but their transition in the second half wasn’t impressive. And the wingers were not fed the ball they anticipated and to redeem themselves, they dropped deep to try and get involved.

K'Ogallo dominated majority of the second half period but couldn't make it count.

CONCLUSION.

With a few players missing through injuries and personal issues, Tusker came in with a clear strategy manageable by the players Sammy Omollo had. And he maintained it the entire game – only one change made in the later stages of the game. In the end he managed to have what he desired, the win and the trophy.

Gor Mahia were yet again involved in a tactical battle in an aim to get their lead back but couldn’t against the tight Tusker. To be fair to K’Ogallo, they were hardly hit by unexpected injuries in the second half period that forced them to deploy several players in several positions.

Honestly, not a fascinating game to supporter who expects goals to be scored in numbers but it was, tactically. One manager disrupted by injuries tried several means to penetrate the other who, on his side, was happy to sit deep and contain the attack from his opponent.