There is something endearing about the lower leagues in the country. The FKF Division 1 has always had the undoubted raw quality; the question was always on the tactical nous of the coaches tasked with leading these sides. The current crop of coaches in these lower leagues, well trained by the federation through the CAF courses is springing up very good tacticians who in no time will be rubbing shoulders with the who is who in the Kenyan Coaching scene.On 10 May 2023, ambitious but struggling Balaji EPZ played host to well supported Eastland’s glamour boys, Dandora youth. A game played at the Ruaraka complex, home of FKF Premier League big hitters Tusker FC.In this piece we set out to look at how the two teams set up, how Dandora’s 1-3-5-2 pinned Balaji ‘s fullbacks deep and the daring central penetration by Balaji EPZ.Balaji EPZ set up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation with emphasis on forward line rotations, as is the norm with most FKF Premier League sides like Ulinzi Stars, Kenya Police FC and Kakamega Homeboyz. Their line up consisted of Brian Kwazu in goal. Kelvin Abungu, Daywright Nambaka, Edwin Owino and Isaac Naima formed the backline. The double pivot consisted of Clement Owino, and industrious Silas Ogana. Haron Kibiwot played in the advanced, creative midfield role. David Simiyu and Mikah Odhiambo were on the flanks with Geoffrey Onjuti leading the line.Dandora Youth set up in a 1-3-4-1-2 formation, also a formation embraced majorly by exciting FKF Premier league side Kariobangi Sharks and employed rather haphazardly by Bandari FC. With emphasis on neat combinations centrally to attract opposition and quick wide switches for isolated 1v1 possibilities. Their line up consisted of Victor Augo in goal, who had a point to prove after a poor outing in their last game. Collins Odero, Nigerians Kenneth Innocent and Kenechi Amoke formed the back three. The double pivot consisted of Brian Njoroge and Clifford Kipenzi with Edwin Njumba at the tip of the triangle. Nester Wanyama and Nelson Likanga were the wingbacks. Fidel Ochieng and Samuel Mwalangi led the line.##NAJAVA_MECA_7244833##This was a game of two halves by both sides. Dandora Youth controlled the proceedings in the first half. In the buildup phase, Dandora started off with low output from the goalkeeper to the split centre backs. They looked to build up in a 1-3-3-1-3 formation. The wide centre backs looked to split with Kenneth Innocent dropping In front to progress play.The pivot Midfielder was Brian Njoroge as the wing backs moved into the same line as him. This allowed Clifford Kipenzi to play between the lines as Edwin Njumba joined the forward line. He looked to pin the Balaji EPZ centre backs as the forwards Fidel Ochieng and Samuel Mwalangi looked for movement to destabilize especially in the half spaces. Joseph Okumu’s Passing Masterclass: Kenyan defender leads Gent in passes attempted against West HamOn progression of the ball, Dandora Youth looked to invert Samuel Mwalangi, while Fidel Ochieng dropped deep. This created central overloads. Leaving Nelson Likanga isolated for 1v1 scenarios majorly in the first half. The movement and occupation of width in the buildup, progression and creation phases left Balaji EPZ with a rest defense of 4, denying them numbers in midfield and when attacking. Some stop gap defending by Balaji EPZ jersey Isaac Naina and poor crossing quality saw the teams head into the break on level terms.Balaji EPZs 1-4-2-3-1 structure became more mobile in the second half, they now decided to commit numbers forward, in the finishing phase. Balaji EPZ has very good technically gifted fullbacks in attack and this enabled them to cross the ball well. Increased volume in crosses. However poor box presence seemed to cost them. Balaji EPZ also posed a threat down the centre, the approach for central line breaking passes as the half wore on left fans in the stands in awe at the approach, which is hardly practiced by most teams as the central passes when intercepted cause direct attacks by the opposition.Balaji EPZ finished the game on the upward trajectory, Dandora Youth looked for added impetus in attack by bringing on Stephen Musyoka to whip up some magic, but the star man was tightly manned.This is a result both coaches will be satisfied with. Dandora Youth after conceding three in the painful home defeat to Kibera Soccer will take the clean sheet and point. Something good to build on.
