FC Talanta played host to Kakamega Homeboyz at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday 11 January with the former recording a 1-0 win..Prior to the game, Talanta occupied the 16th position on the 18-team log with 14 points while Kakamega Homeboyz were 13th, two points ahead of the weekend opponents.With both teams struggling for form and a semblance of continuity in getting positive results, this was a key game for both coaches.AFC Leopards players stage boycott a day to FC Talanta clashIn this tactical analysis piece, we set out to understand how Kakamega Homeboyz’ change from their initial structure saw them get maximum points in the encounter.Jackline Juma set up her side in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Mustapha Odour in goal while Kevin Owino, Ian Omondi, Bernard Odhiambo, and Peter Njammah forming the backline.The double pivot consisted of Peter Abiola and Alex Luganji with Cyprian Mang’eni in the advanced playmaking position.##NAJAVA_MECA_8632972##Five-goal man Emmanuel Osoro and silky Alex Juma operated on the flanks.Kakamega Homeboyz set up in the 3-5-2 formation with James Ssetuba in goal.Brian Eshihanda, Francis Omondi and Boniface Onyango formed a three-man wall at the heart of the defence with Enock Masinza and John Omondi taking up the wingback roles.Video of CS Joho attending former Liverpool defender’s business launch surfacesThe midfield trio consisted of Estone Esiye, Glen Masava, and Oliver Majaka.Nicholas Kipkirui and Hansel Ochieng led the hunt for goals in the absence of Moses Shummah, who was on national team duty with Harambee Stars at the Mapinduzi Cup.Talanta’s GameplanTalanta sought to build through the phases, something Homeboyz took notice of and worked hard to counter.##NAJAVA_MECA_8632944##However, against Homeboyz, they seemed to have tweaked their build-up structure to a 2-3-2-3 with the holding midfielder now up, creating a triangle with the centre-backs.Homeboyz countered this build-up shape in a 4-4-2 diamond press. Going man for man against the Talanta defenders.Mariga addresses issue of players player going months without payThis forced Talanta to play long into their forwards as they also struggled to find players between the Homeboyz lines.Homeboyz therefore, went for the first balls, especially with the aggression of Eshihanda in aerial duels.Homeboyz GameplanAbana Beingo looked to build in a 2-1 structure, having a 4v2 superiority in the first phase as Ssetuba joined the build-up too.##NAJAVA_MECA_8632953##Talanta seemed to concede the first phase and the rest of the team set up in a 4-4 block, some distance off their two forwards.Homeboyz managed to get into the progression phase easily but struggled to break down the Talanta block.Getting the two forwards involved was becoming tough for Homeboyz as they had to feed off scraps. This was due to them struggling in channeling the ball out wide or penetrating between the lines.Why Ghost Mulee wants Francis Kimanzi to lead Harambee Stars CHAN finalsThis left Homeboyz with no option other than to play long balls into the backline, with Talanta captain Bernard Odhiambo winning most of them.As the game dragged on in the second half, Homeboyz looked to address their issue of lack of proper quality width and calmness on the ball.Coach Francis Baraza and his assistant former Nairobi United coach Paul Okatwa rang the changes.##NAJAVA_MECA_8632930##From their 3-5-2 in possession, 4-4-2 diamond out of possession Homeboyz decided to throw the kitchen sink to secure the winGoing with a base 3-4-3 formation in all phases of play.In possession, they brought on Moses Mudavadi, Farouk Musisi, Hillary Otieno, Peter Thiong’o, and Pius Wangi. Kenyan midfielder close to sealing record Ksh465 million move to Czech RepublicThe above now saw the team have Eshihanda, Omondi, and Onyango in the backline.Glen Masava and Estone Esiye were the double pivots with Thiong’o and Musisi providing width.Mudavadi and Otieno played off Wangi.Former Harambee Stars coach reveals next move after receiving no response from FKF over salaryThis change saw them gain more control in Talanta’s defensive third.Quick combinations and overload to isolate saw them grow more into the match. Switches of play to destabilize the Talanta backline were a mode they also took up.The goal finally came when Wangi, who had been a constant thorn in the flesh of the Talanta backline received cross from Musisi and would settle the contest with a superb finish.##NAJAVA_MECA_8632958##After the goal, Talanta looked to now exploit the space left behind by Homeboyz out wide, getting a few half chances but to no avail.In the end, swift tactical changes from Homeboyz saw the two substitutes combine to get them all three precious away points.
