Four points on Mathare United 1 City Stars 0.

A sigh of relief for Mathare United as they celebrated their first win of the season yesterday. A goal from Francis Ouma gave Mathare a win over fellow strugglers City Stars.

STARTING XI

 

The Starting XI

Gabriel Njoroge deployed Titus Omondi and Lloyd Wahome in central defense, Dennis Nzomo and Ernest Wendo the central midfielders. With Andrew Tololwa roaming behind Francis Ouma.

Gideon Ochieng’ played Boniface Onyango and Dennis Okumu as the double pivot and with Francis Thairu still unavailable through injury, Dan Sserunkuma played alone in attack.

1.       Mathare United in a 4-4-2

Njoroge has played a 4-2-3-1 entirely against AFC Leopards and Ulinzi Stars but he didn’t get a positive result out of those fixtures – it didn’t work.

Neither did Anthony Khadudu nor Andrew Tololwa push bodies high up to join in attack; they sat deep leaving the forward – Francis Ouma in most cases – alone in attack. Both Dennis Nzomo and Ernest Wendo stayed close to each other and deeper.

In this game, he started with a fluid 4-4-2 that quickly switched to a 4-2-3-1 when in defensive phase. He opted for a more direct approach with his team moving the ball forward and wide areas quickly.

In central midfield, the mobile Ernest Wendo partnered Dennis Nzomo and frequently drooped deep when defending to provide more protection to the defensive line before picking up balls and working them hastily to wide areas where Innocent Mutiso and Kelvin Omondi provided the width.

In a split attack, Andrew Tololwa roamed behind the main man Francis Ouma and had the freedom to drop deep when they lost the ball – a 4-2-3-1.

The 4-4-2 configuration worked well for them by approaching the match in a more direct way and getting the ball forward and to wide areas at a faster rate.

2.       City Stars narrow

Gideon Ochieng’ played a narrow 4-2-3-1 formation. And an indication that City were going narrow is that Levy Muaka was benched. Dennis Okumu and Boniface Onyango the double pivot. Justus Basweti on the right flank and David King’atua drifting in from the left. Oscar Mbugua started as the attacking midfielder (though he left through an injury earlier on in the game, his replacement George Mwangi played in that position). Dan Sserunkuma was the lone forward.

This gave City a little superiority in the midfield zone but left them vulnerable down the flanks against a Mathare United side that worked the angles to get the ball down to wide areas. And again, they posed less threat to Mathare United from wide areas.

3.       Mathare United switch to a 4-5-1

After Francis Ouma gave Mathare the lead, Gabriel Njoroge intent was to try and protect it. Vincent Okello who had replaced Andrew Tololwa earlier dropped deep and joined up with midfield. It seemed Okello would sit behind Ouma but in the end he was an extra midfielder. With City Stars having much time on the ball trying to get back and on rare occasions when Mathare United had the ball, Okello moved up in the hole.

The back line of Athman Buki, Lloyd Wahome, Tirus Omondi and Kenedy Ayong had more protection from Dennis Nzomo and Ernest Wendo who had dropped deep. Kevin Opiyo and Innocent Mutiso tracked City’s wide men and Francis Ouma was left alone in attack. Mathare United operated in a 4-5-1.

4.       City Stars switch to a 4-4-2

After conceding the goal, Gideon Ochieng’ looked to strengthen his attack and try to get back into the game by approaching it directly and by having his side play quick balls forward.

He withdrew King’atua and in his place, he introduced Levy Muaka. Muaka went to the left flank, Justus Basweti to the right wing and George Mwangi moved up to join Dan Sserunkuma in attack. But Mathare United were well organized and time was against Ochieng’s men who were unable to unlock its opponents’ defense.

With City Stars a more threatening side with a 4-4-2 system, starting with a narrow 4-2-3-1 was a mistake by Gideon Ochieng’.

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Tusker 2 Gor Mahia 0: K’Ogallo press in the early stages of the game but tire towards the end.

Gor Mahia suffered yet another humiliating defeat in the hands of Tusker.

Second half goals from Jockins Atudo and Patrick Kagogo ensured that Sammy Omollo picked up maximum points from the game.

STARTING XI

The Starting XI

Tusker started with a 4-4-2 cum 4-2-4 formation with Opiyo and Jerry Santos in central midfield, Mukaisi and Emeka in attack.

Gor Mahia started with a 4-4-2 diamond formation with Collins Okoth deep and Moses Otieno in the hole. George Midenyo and Baldin Ngwa the twin forwards.

TUSKER’S POSITIONING

Tusker have played a couple of matches this season with a 4-3-3 formation this season but against Gor Mahia they lined up in a 4-4-2 formation that switched to a 4-2-4 system when they were on ball.

With Paul Were benched, Kenneth Wendo and Patrick Kagogo were deployed in wide areas and they occasionally moved forward to join the attack of Mukaisi and Joseph Emeka when Tusker won the ball and dropped deep when they lost it.

Patrick Kagogo with his versatility did well in this role: he drifted in, stretched wide and tracked back to provide support to the left full back Humphrey Okoti.

GOR MAHIA EARLY PRESSING

K’Ogallo started the match the brighter side and it took a few minutes before showing their intent. Gor Mahia players had the energy and determination to win the ball back from Tusker. This worked well because Gor Mahia had the players who are capable of pressing high.

Baldin Ngwa and George Midenyo did exceptionally well in pressing the centre backs while Collins Okoth and Moses Otieno dealt with Santos and Opiyo in midfield.

An obvious question that came to mind when Gor Mahia showed their early pressing is will they maintain it for the entire match? Of course they didn’t and after Tusker had gone a goal up, they didn’t get the energy to fight back into the game and with the pace of Paul Were and Patrick Kagogo down the flanks, and they seemed vulnerable.

It’s worth noting that Gor Mahia conceded several fouls in the early stages due to pressing.

TUSKER’S STRATEGY

Tusker were reactive from the start and it did go well according to Sammy Omollo’s plan.

They were happy to sit deep and suck up Gor Mahia’s pressure before getting the ball forward at a faster rate hoping to counter spaces left behind by Gor Mahia. They managed to threaten more on second half using their pace. And on few instances, Emeka got a ball from the channels and a one on one situation with Wycliffe Kasaya.


1 - 0 UP

I must first mention the changed prior to the first goal. Paul Were replaced Mukaisi. Kenneth Wendo was pushed to centrally to join Emeka in attack and Were went to the right flank but Tusker maintained its 4-2-4ish system.

After Tusker got his goal via Jockins Atudo, Sammy Omollo looked to tighten up his defensive core and protect the lead; he made his second substitution by bringing on Fredrick Onyango in place of Joseph Emeka. And a switched to a 4-5-1 formation and it was clear that Gor Mahia were going to find it difficult in breaking Tusker’s defense.

Fredrick Onyango joined Peter Opiyo and Jerry Santos in midfield, the wingers Paul Were and Patrick Kagogo dropped deep on defensive phase. Kenneth Wendo was the lone forward.

Paul Were who was on the right switched flanks with the left winger Patrick Kagogo, who grabbed his goal while at right wing.

LATER STAGES

Gor Mahia’s changes maintained the 4-4-2 system but the new players were of different set of skills. A skilful Moses Odhiambo replaced George Midenyo who is more of an orthodox centre forward. A combative Kevin Omondi replaced a silky Victor Ali and Rama Salim who is more of a central winger replaced Ibrahim Kitawi who likes dribbling his way to wide areas.

Bringing in a combative player to the midfield areas seemed like Bobby Ogolla wanted the Tusker midfielders to be “bullied” and more energy in that region but Tusker on the other hand played well as a unit and were difficult to break down.

Gor players seemed tired that’s largely down to early pressing in the first half period and they found it hard to deal with the fact that they were down and fatigue.

CONCLUSION

A perfect day in office for Tusker who really needed the points (Gor did as well) to boost their form and recovery in the league after a few not impressive outings in the league.

Sammy Omollo got his plan right by allowing Gor Mahia time on the ball and having his team to settle in defensive phase before unleashing his attack. It seems Sammy Omollo prefers the safety first approach in his games – all goals they have scores in the league at their own backyard have been score after the sixtieth minute. A question for another day, from that stat, does it take his team a long time before settling in the game?

Gor Mahia had a brilliant start to the game and should have converted the chances they had earlier in the game because if it means they were to get tired of their pressing(in which they did), they would’ve at least sat deep to protect the early goals as they “rest”. And after they went down, they moved forward and couldn’t recover and this gave Tusker players an opportunity (especially Paul Were) to threaten with their pace.

Gor Mahia supporters didn’t take anything home in terms of points but at least they should be hopeful with what they saw in the early stages of the game: a good transition play and an all attacking Gor Mahia.
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KCB 0 Western Stima 2: A goal from each half gave the power men a vital win over the bankers.

KCB’s run of good form was put to an end by Western Stima on Sunday afternoon. A defensive blunder was capitalized by Alloyce Mangi to make up for his sitter he missed a few seconds before his opener. And in the second half, a lack of communication between the KCB defenders and the goalkeeper allowed Wesley Kemboi to sneak behind the defense line and collect a through ball before rounding the keeper and setting up Justin Monda for an easy tap in.

STARTING XI

The Starting XI

KCB lined up in their favoured 4-4-2 formation with Brian Osumba and Michael Oyando in central midfield. Jacob Keli marauded just behind Ezekiel Odera in attack.

Western Stima lined up in a 4-4-2 diamond formation with Robert Kwaye and David Otieno in central defense. And in attack, Job Omuse and a mobile Alloyce Mangi partnered.

It started as a 4-4-2 v 4-4-2 and later finished as a 3-4-3 v 4-5-1.

EARLY STAGES

It was a comfortable half for both teams and they rarely penetrated each other’s defense line and both keepers were barely tested as they played for most of the time in the midfield third with solid performance Kevin Oluoch and Fred Shimoyo for Stima.

KCB’s Benjamin Chaka drifted in from left flank creating space for Milton Milimo to stretch the game wide and his presence in central areas gave the ball carrier an added option to play his pass. Brian Osumba was more of a box-to-box midfielder, he drooped deep when his team lost possession and moved forward to join in attack when KCB broke forward.

Alloyce Mangi was perhaps the most mobile attacker on the pitch. In the first minutes, he started from deep and came forward to join Job Omuse but as the game progressed, he freely roamed behind Job.

Western Stima took the lead in the 30th minute after a defensive blunder by KCB after a pressing from Mangi who won the ball and dribbled past Dennis Omondi before placing the ball on the left bottom corner of the net.

SECOND HALF

The second half period begun on much similar note to the first. Both teams pulling the strings in midfield area but it was Western Stima’s players who came out top when it came to defensive duties. Jacob Keli together with Ezekiel Odera were tightly marked and Keli’s attempts to seek redemption deeper in midfield were in vain as he outmuscled by the combative Kevin Oluoch.

Another defensive error gave Stima the second goal of the game. The defenders seemed to have let the ball to picked by the goalkeeper Caleb Adola who also thought the defenders were going to deal with the ball and Wesley Kemboi sneaked in from behind rounded the keeper before assisting Justin Monda.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Immediately after Western Stima scored the second, James Omondi withdrew Ezekiel Odera and Brian Osumba. In their places, Geoffrey Maina and Clifford Alwanga were introduced. They maintained a 4-4-2 system for a while. But it was clear that Stima were satisfied with their lead and happy sit deep and protect the lead.

Alloyce Mangi drifted wide and dropped deep to try and track KCB’s players leaving Kemboi alone as a striker. This meant it was a 4v1 at the back for KCB and more men for Stima in midfield. Peter Wainaina replaced Benjamin Chaka and KCB switched to a 3-4-3 formation in trying to control the midfield area and at least get themselves back in to the game.

Bethuel Warambo, Joseph Kangata and Dennis Omondi did spread to form the back three. The midfield four formed a diamond. Michael Oyando sat the deepest while the new player Wainaina played in the hole. Milton Milimo who had been good in advancing was pushed in to the left flank and Geoffrey Maina maintained his right flank.

Paul Mungai to the right, Clifford Alwanga to the left and the centre forward Jacob Keli formed the attacking trio.

KCB managed to control the midfield but frequent stoppages due to injuries derailed their search for a goal and in the end it was Western Stima who played their cards right.

Only one change by Stima’s change was tactical. The first was injury forced (Wesley Kemboi in for the injured Job Omuse) and the second was a direct swap (Steve Biko replaced by Ramadhan Balala).

Aloyce Mangi – a more of an attacker – was replaced by Isaac Odhiambo who moved into midfield as Henry Omino tried to have more men in that zone - a switch to a more defensive 4-5-1 formation. This worked quite well as Western Stima were able to contain KCB’s attacks.

The starting XI after all changes were made.

CONCLUSION

A fascinating tactical battle between the two bosses with Henry Omino emerging the victor. Omino was a bit lucky when it came to goals scored by his team but was clever enough to have his team play in protecting the lead by approaching the game in a more cautious way. And Kevin Oluoch was brilliant in dictating Stima’s play and protecting the back four.

James Omondi later conceded that his team lost to goals scored from their own mistakes. But in attack, KCB lacked a killer pass in the final third and Jacob Keli wasn’t fed the balls his being getting and was tightly marked by Stima’s defenders. In the end, Western Stima relished the battle and came out the overall winners.

Anaba Awono: Too much rotation?

Last Sunday, Gor Mahia lost to Karuturi Sports in Naivasha. It happened to be Anaba Awono’s last match in charge of Gor Mahia. He was sacked on Monday afternoon, together with his entire technical team, after losing his last three matches.

In this post, I take a look at four matches played in Nairobi, against; City Stars, Al Merreikh, Tusker and Muhoroni Youth. His team selection and formations used.

Gor Mahia's Starting XI against Muhoroni Youth.

CITY STARS

Against City Stars, at the City Stadium, he played a 4-4-2 diamond formation. Wycliffe Kasaya in goal, Felix and Mugona in centre back position, Solomon Nasio in right back and Omondi in left full back position.

Ondony played in the hole and Emmanuel sat deep in midfield. In wide roles, John Kiplang’at was on the right and Mubiru to the left. Demonde Selenga and Hugo Nzoka in attack.

The only tactical change in this match was when Collins Okoth was red carded and Ngwa dropped to midfield leaving Midenyo alone in attack – a switch to a 4-4-1 formation.

AL MERREIKH

In the following week against Al Merreikh, he made changes to the entire Starting XI and he occasionally switched players positioning and teams’ tactics during the course of the match.

He started with a 4-4-2, switched to a narrow 4-2-3-1, back to a 4-4-2 and finished the game with a 4-3-3 formation.

Starting with a 4-4-2 formation, he had Jerrim Onyango in goal. Musa Muhammed in right full back position and Yusuf Juma in left full back position. Collins Okoth as the anchor and Moses Otieno in the hole. Dan Makori on the left wing and Victor Ali on the right. Rama Salim sat just behind Baldin Ngwa.

In the first half period, Salim dropped deep, Ali to his right and Makori to his left and a switch to a 4-2-3-1 system

He started the second half with a 4-4-2 formation but mid through it, he made changes and a switch to a 4-3-3 configuration. Moses Odhiambo, George Midenyo and Baldin Ngwa forming the attacking trio.

Rama Salim played in three different roles: behind Ngwa in attack, as an attacking midfielder and finally a central midfielder towards the end of the game after Gor Mahia had equalised.

TUSKER

Against Tusker, in the DSTV Super Cup Finals, he started with a 4-4-1-1 formation. Iva Mapunda between the sticks. In full back positions, Musa Muhammed was on the right full back and Yusuf Juma was the left full back. David Owino and David Mosoti were the centre backs. This time round, Rama Salim stayed close to Collins Okoth in central midfield. Victor Ali, right, and Moses Odhiambo, left, taking the wide berths.

In attack, Baldin Ngwa was behind Midenyo.

In second half, Kevin Ochieng, a wing back, replaced George Midenyo, a striker. He went to right back position, Muhammed moved just ahead of the back four pushing Collins Okoth just ahead of him. 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.

Baldin Ngwa was injured and he was replaced by Anthony Akumu who moved to holding role and Muhammed went back to right back, Kevin Ochieng’ to right wing. Rama Salim played as an attacking midfielder and Victor Ali to the left. Moses Odhiambo the striker.

MUHORONI YOUTH

Against a reactive Muhoroni Youth, he played a 4-4-2 formation. Donald Mosoti and Musa Muhammed the centre backs. Christopher Wekesa the left back and Kevin Ochieng’ the right back. Collins Okoth and Rama Salim in central midfield flanked by Victor Ali on the right and Dan Makori on the left.

Anthony Nyangor and Baldin Ngwa in attack.

In this match he made no tactical change the entire game as Gor Mahia were dominant in almost the entire game against a side who had nine men behind the ball.

Squad rotation is a good technique in giving your players a rest to keep them fit for upcoming fixtures, and also giving playing time to several squad players, but constant changing of players makes it harder for the team to gel together and to get to understand each other and the tactical system them are supposed to be playing within.

From the four matches above, Anaba Awono lacked consistency in his team selection especially in central defense. In a good defensive unit, players should be given time to familiarise themselves with each other and gel. AFC Leopards (together with Chemelil Sugar) boost the best defensive record in the league so far this season – no goal conceded after four games. Jaan Koops has used only two defensive partnerships. Jonas Nahimana and Erick Masika have been the first choice centre backs in Ingwe’s line up. The other partnership was when Martin Imbalambala played with Erick Masika in central defense against Oserian when Nahimana was in Rwanda for international duties.

Since the departure of Erick Masika, Awono didn’t settle on one partnership but instead, switched from one player to another and this affected the team in terms of understanding. Of course there might be other factors that could have caused Gor Mahia’s poor run of form and poor rotation of squad by Anaba Awono is one of them.

One great manger said if you want to win something, you must keep your squad fit and fresh by rotation. When done properly, it keeps your squad fresh and fit, but done poorly, it may cause unrest and inconsistency.

KCB 4 City Stars 0: KCB invite City Stars before exploiting spaces behind them.

City Stars suffered a humiliating defeat in the hands of KCB. A brace from Jacob Keli helped KCB get a four nil win over the Kawangware based team who seemed out of position and lacked structure at the back.

STARTING XI



The Starting XI



Both coaches opted for a 4-4-2 formation.

James Otieno paired Dennis Omondi and Joseph Kangata in central defense, Michael Oyando and Brian Osumba in central midfield and in the flanks he had Benjamin Chaka and Geoffrey Maina for KCB.

Francis Thairu wasn’t available for selection and Gideon Ochieng picked Alex Nyamweno to partner Dan Sserunkuma in attack. Dennis Okumu and George Mwangi were in central midfield.

KCB’S STRATEGY

Surprisingly, the home team KCB were happy to sit deep in the opening stages and counter. They didn’t try and press their opponents but allowed them time on the ball and invite them forward hoping to exploit the spaces left behind by City Stars.

It worked well for them – City Stars’ players moved forward leaving spaces behind them uncovered. They didn’t support each other and they paid the price.

KCB played quicker passes to Michael Oyando and Jacob Keli while increasing the tempo of the match and took control of the match.

PETER ASHANGO

In the beginning you would think Ashango was ordered to move high up, push Levy Muaka up or force him in and have City Stars switch to a back three. Instead the other defenders didn’t spread out to cover the space vacated by Ashango.

Peter Ashango was poor in defending and was easily dragged out of position on several occasions.

KCB on the other hand took advantage of it. They had players – especially Jacob Keli - moving wide into that zone and the other players tried to get the ball to the right flank – most attacks City Stars faced came from their left flank.

SUBSTITUTES

All six changes were made by both teams but only one of them had an effect on the teams’ play. The others were a) injury forced – Peter Odhiambo replaced the injured goalkeeper Ronny Kanguzi – and b) direct swaps – Mark Makwata on for Levy Muaka, Joseph Apindi for Joseph Kingata, Bernard Meki on for Jacob Keli and Mungai Kiongera on for Brian Osumba.

But Alex Nyamweno’s, a forward, withdrawn for Boniaface Onyango meant that Dennis Okumu was pushed high up and George Mwangi now operated just behind Dan Sserunkuma as Gideon Ochieng tried to have the ball on his side. It went as planned as City Stars enjoyed a decent spell of possession but the problem was that they couldn’t penetrate. KCB maintained their structure at the back intact and strong. Frustrating City Stars.

CONCLUSION

James Omondi got his strategy correct. KCB played well with Jacob Kelly pulling wide, dropping deep and linking up play in attack giving City problems. Peter Ashango’s positioning also opened up a gap in City’s defense creating problems for themselves.

City Stars were very poor in defense and had no idea in moving forward. And despite enjoy a little spell of possession when Boniface Onyango came on, they still lacked that defense splitting pass in the final third and didn’t have the fighting spirit to get themselves back into the game.