The Mozzart Bet Cup stretches to the quarter-final stage this weekend.Tusker FC are scheduled to play KCB FC on Saturday at the Police Sacco Stadium.In this piece we set out to look at how the two teams will set up and what could be the key tactical areas that will have the tie won or lost.Tusker and KCB met in the most recent round of the FKF Premier League where the brewers emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline, the dagger relayed by former KCB FC man Michael Oduor. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7217528##In football, there is always the underlying superstition that you cannot beat a team twice easily, especially after meeting in the league and then in the cup. Coach Robert Matano will look to rubbish this theory as he will set his side out for a proper game. I expect Tusker to line up in a 1-4-3-3 structure. Brian Bwire in goal, with a centre back partnership of long switch ball specialist Tom Teka and gritty Michael Kibwage. In the fullback position expect former Mathare United left back Levin Odhiambo, who has made the position his, and former Kariobangi Sharks man Daniel Sakari to start in the right back role.Modo underscores Bandari’s crave for the Mozzart Bet CupThe three in midfield could consist of Humphrey Mieno, David Odoyo and Siwa Shaphan. The Tusker front three may have Lawrence Luvanda, bullish Eric Otieno and Oduor.Coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno is likely set out his charges in a 1-4-4-2 formation. He however faces a major challenge as his captain and main man Michael Mutinda has to pass the fitness test. In goal I expect Kenyan International call up Byrne Omondi. However, it will not be a shock to see Gabriel Andika start as he has been their designated Cup goalkeeper.Not yet uhuru! CS Namwamba waiting for FIFA direction before taking action against FKFIn defense will be lethal crosser Kevin Okumu at right back, Erickson Mulu at left back and Haniff Wesonga partnering Maurice Owino in central defense.The midfield double pivot can have former Tusker man Apollo Otieno and Brian Ochieng. On the flanks KCB FC may play Musa Masika and Kennedy Owino. This will leave a double strike partnership of aerially lethal Henry Onyango and Cliff Oruko.A shout could be made for super sub Francis Kahiro but I expect him to come on late on in the match to have an impact.How Francis Baraza’s tactical prowess helped Police trounce over BandariKCB will look to stifle Tusker in all their phases of play. In buildup phase Tusker Fc look to build in a 2-4-4 shape.This shape sees the centre backs split while the fullbacks move towards the same line as the double pivot, but rather inverted. This inversion looks to create angles for the wide men to receive the ball in an optimal position to attack. While the extra midfielder will look to play between the lines, creating possibilities of an overload in the KCB FC last line of defense. KCB FC majorly look to play in a midblock 1-4-4-2 structure. This structure is with the main aim of denying any central penetration, however in this game they should try and employ a high press.Pressing high against Tusker will hamper their build up. Tusker CBs when pressured will go long and with little accuracy in hitting the balls into the channels as is their specialty when given time on the ball. Planting a man on Mieno will also handicap Tusker FC. There is need to go man for man with high intensity.Tusker when progressing the ball and looking to create, will look to channel the ball wide from winning second balls and then attacking the channels. CAFCL: Can Simba upset Wydad and advance to the semis?Their ability to commit numerous numbers in the box has caused team’s problem, especially with pin point crosses and cutbacks feeding the bodies in the box. This is an area Tusker will look to capitalize on, attacking the channels as KCB FC tend to push their fullbacks high and invert their wingers.This phase of play sees the midfield double pivot look to drop and create possibilities of triangles with the centre backs, or drift wide to occupy the fullback positions.This pushing of the fullbacks higher will leave them short at the back, as their rest defense is not the best when facing pacey counter attacking teams. In Siwa Shaphan Tusker have this in their arsenal. Mwalala implores Ulinzi to focus on Mozzart Bet Cup glory, qualify for continental footballZico’ will need to find a proper way to defend transitions, as Tusker could come and look to frustrate KCB FC by defending well in a midblock and looking to counter attack into the channels. Expect a lot of tactical fouls in this game. KCB main mode of scoring and chance creation is relaying deep crosses into the box, this is caused by the brilliant combination play and chemistry the team has when creating wide overloads. In Masika they have an able ball player who will look to invert more, creating possibilities of an overlap out on the flank. Tusker will have to monitor this action keenly.With the formation of a 3v2 in midfield, expect Zico to push his second striker into midfield to even up the numbers, the constant inversion of Masika could see KCB even come out top in this area by creating a 4v3. Something Tusker will have properly prepared for.Mozzart Bet Cup: Homeboyz coach sets eyes on continental footballThis will be a very tight and tough clash. The teams pressures on the opponents could decide the match, how effectively they both counter press. KCB ability to stifle Tusker build up and how well they defend the transitions and balls into the channel will be interesting. Tusker’s direct style and the role of Siwa and Mieno will also be key. Set pieces will also be key as in Levin Tusker have good delivery while in Masika and Kevin Okumu KCB aalso pose a threat. It is set to be a proper game.
