Sofapaka 2-1 Muhoroni Youth
This was a match I believe Muhoroni did not deserve to lose
if it was not for Sofapaka’s fighting spirit. Muhoroni were organized, Sofapaka
were hungry for a win and that is what made the difference. When the match
balance sheet is drawn, Sofapaka’s custodian Duncan Ochieng’ went home
deserving in accolades, he saved Sofapaka from a painful loss especially in the
final minute of the match.
The two teams set out with similar formations, a variation
of 4-4-2 but with the two midfielders playing more as wingers. They both had a
single defensive midfielder and a central midfielder. This worked for Muhoroni but failed for Sofapaka
in the first half with Anthony Kimani failing to click as a central midfielder.
Muhoroni were fluid on the ball with brilliant passes while Sofapaka went for
goal with intent with minimal ball play.
The defense of both teams played a great game. James Situma
who was playing as a holding midfielder was outstanding for Sofapaka. I believe
this position gives him leverage to express himself as compared to when he is
in the defense. Felly Mulumba has matured into a strong defensive tower for
Sofapaka and Wanyama’s high work rate on the right was commendable.
Franklin Osama marshaled Muhoroni backline well with Harry
Gentle on the left flank. Nick Owende, Muhoroni’s right fullback like
Sofapaka’s left back Collins Kisuya had concentration lapse in the face of fast
attacks. The cover was good for both teams which minimized the damage.
Jackson Maina was the engine of Muhoroni’s play; coming in
from the right his moves always threatened Sofapaka. When his one-two passes
worked with Issa Khaemba, Sofapaka was left chasing shadows. Then Iddi Shikanda came in for Sammy Wakhanya and Imonje
boys had a stabilized but failed to convert activity into productivity.
Koko Manupi tapped in Sofapaka’s first goal against run of
play, then Felly Mulumba headed in the second from a Wanyama corner two minutes
later. Muhoroni replied when Joseph Emeka tapped in a free kick. Emeka had a
good play with Issa Khaemba earlier, he shot past an outstretched Duncan
Ochieng, hit the post and the ball went out.
Anthony Kimani always
positioned himself directly in front of Situma at the centre leaving two
‘highways’ on either side. Sofapaka wingers Koko Manupi and Obadiah Tarumbwa
played wide and Jackson Maina exploited this but Muhoroni could not capitalize
on this Sofapaka weak link. Obadiah Tarumbwa realized this and fell into the
hole behind Bob Mugalia and John Baraza to cover for Kimani. This is what saved
Sofapaka and they went to the break with a 2-1 lead.
Coach David Ouma
realized this and Kimani was replaced by Eli Asieche in the second half and the
chances reduced for Muhoroni. The visitors always came up with flashes of
brilliance which were followed by spells of slow play. This is what made the
difference; they failed to pile pressure consistently despite coming up with
organized and threatening attacks.
Sofapaka was opting for long balls when the midfield failed
but Muhoroni defense was always ready to keep improved Bob Mugalia and John
Baraza at bay. Gaddy Omondi was brought into the goal for a shaky Joel Odongo
and Muhoroni and the confidence in Muhoroni defense grew.
The introduction of
Agwanda and Patrick Kagogo changed the flank play for Sofapaka. Kagogo earned a
penalty in injury time which John Baraza fluffed. Muhoroni came in with a
counter attack that Duncan Ochieng punched out in the 95th minute to save
Sofapaka from a last minute blush.
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