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