Eastlands came to a standstill on the 8th of July 2023 when Rainbow FC came up against Dandora Youth. In a game slowly gaining the bite of a derby, both sides riddled with some of the finest talents Eastlands, Nairobi has to offer clashed in an FKF Division 1 game at MYSA grounds in Komarock.In the game which Rainbow’s resolute out of possession structure saw them emerge 2-1 winners.I look to decode the tactics both sides employed in a fiery encounter, filled with the renowned Eastlands flavor, tricks and nutmegs.Dandora Youth under the tutelage of former KCB and Gor Mahia custodian Sammy Okinda set out in a 1-4-3-3 formation. In goal was Emmanuel Adjetey. Innocent Kenneth and Collins Odero formed the centre back pairing with Tyson Odhiambo and Nester Wangema playing as the fullbacks. The midfield double pivot consisted of Edwin Njomba and Brian Njoroge with Feisal Kyalo playing in an advanced role. Swaleh Amin and Samuel Mwatangi played off the sides as Maxwell Mboya led the line.Rainbow FC set up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation, in goal was Paul Odhiambo, Wardfine Okewa and Kevin Otiende occupied the fullback positions with David Wafula and Ronald Ashimoto the central defensive pairing. Instrumental Ryan Ogam played in the double pivot with Jacob Otieno. South Sudanese export Paul Jawa played on the left flank as Edward Omondi was the attacking outlet on the right flank. Captain Steiner Musasia played in the central attacking midfield with very impressive Musata Dulmant leading the line. Rainbow FC Coach Macharia Eric looked to set his side up in an impenetrable block, looking to capitalize on counter press situations as will be illustrated with the data to create chances. They also looked to play for set pieces. A set up that worked well for his side.In the buildup phase, Dandora Youth FC looked to build in a 1-4-2-3-1 with the double pivot dropping asymmetrically to provide passing options to the centre backs. The fullbacks looked to push slightly higher up to play on the same line as the pivot. What was interesting was the movement of Dandora Youth fullbacks as when the ball side fullback pushed up the ball far fullback would stay lower to create a back three, good cover in case of a transition.FKF Div One: Five-star Green Commandos dismantle Muhoroni Young move top in Zone BRainbow did not look to aggressively press high, looking to let the sides detach from the goalkeeper, when the centre backs had the ball is when they would launch the first line, however a very compact block of three. The Rainbow FC centre forward was tasked with marking Brian Njoroge in buildup. The narrow 1-4-3-3 Rainbow press was something interesting that you do not often see applied in the Kenyan game. This narrow three shape allowed Rainbow to be able to cut central passing lanes in the first phase, but also position the wide forwards well to jump to the fullbacks incase the Dandora Youth side accessed them. To lose his man, Dandora Youth experienced captain Brian Njoroge would drop into the vacated fullback position, this left Rainbow forward Musafa Dulmant in a dilemma on whether to follow him or pass him onto the winger. In instances where the Musata Dulmant followed Brian Njoroge wide, a passing lane into the central area could be accessed with Brian Njomba now dropping deep. When the wide forward stepped out to stop Brian Njoroge, Dandora Youth could access their fullback and progress. Njoroge dropping wide to find space to build. Pushing the right back up and the winget inverting The main ace up Rainbow’s sleeve was their press allowed them to have numerical superiority in the central area, it was majorly a 3v2 and this saw them win the ball back well through aggressive counter press situations.The above information shows Rainbow’s press was set up to funnel Dandora Youth into certain areas then jump, but not aggressively win the ball high.On winning the ball back from the intense midfield counter press, Rainbow looked to get skillfull Paul Jawa, Edward Omondi and Mustafa Dulmant. Musata Dulmant has pace, power and trickery up his sleeve, a proper striker with good ball striking abilities who can also play on the shoulder of the defender. The trio were a threat in behind with balls from Ryan Ogam, it is prudent to note that the midfielder has outstanding vision in picking passes from deep with his left foot.THE BREAKDOWN: A look into Victor Wanyama’s 100 games in the MLS##NAJAVA_MECA_7363391##Rainbow FC also did well to defend their flanks, looking to double team Dandora Youth wide attackers, they did not allow any room for creation of superiorities. This is down to the fact of a well drilled 1-4-4-2 midblock by Coach Erick Macharia and his technical team. With Rainbow capitalizing well on a set piece from Ryan Ogam and Dandora Youth not clearing their lines well off a corner for the second goal. Dandora Youth drew one back from the penalty spot, a coolly taken penalty by Brian Njoroge. Heading to the break. The Dandora Youth coach looked to switch things up to see his side his side get back in the game.Noting that Rainbow FC were creating numerous chances through winning the ball back in the midfield by crowding out Dandora Youth ball carriers, Coach Sammy Okinda looked to switch his double pivot into a single pivot with two 8s in the half spaces. This would see the fullbacks push higher up and the wingers come inside. This action looked to overload Rainbow FC between the lines as the centre forward would also detach from the centre backs to add to the numbers between the lines. This would also allow more room for combinations out wide to progress and cross. Edwin Njomba would now look to drop between the centre backs, alternating with Brian Njoroge.Matano is a good coach, yet unjustly misunderstood – MukiThis tactical switch looked to allow Dandora Youth more time on the ball, getting them into their passing rhythm. They however came up against a major obstacle, as stated above, Rainbow have a very good out of possession block and this came to their rescue. They remained compact between the lines, stepping back well to reduce distances between the lines and shifting their block well on and on. Proper levels of concentration. On winning the ball back they looked to play into the channels, they brought on Tyron Kariuki, very skillfull who looked to beat his man 1v1 well and combine with Paul Jawa, exciting talents. In Mustafa Dulmant they also had a good outlet.In a game full of emotion, the proper out of possession display saw Rainbow emerge victors; this win helps them in their pursuit of promotion to the National Super League (NSL).
