Shabana FC will host Kakamega Homeboyz at the intimidating Gusii Stadium for a Round 23 FKF Premier League clash on Sunday at 2 PM.The Glamour Boys are eager to bounce back after a disappointing winless run in their last four matches, which includes two consecutive goalless draws at home. They will be determined to secure all three points and improve their form.Kakamega Homeboyz, on the other hand, are enjoying a purple patch, with only one draw in February. Their most recent away performance saw them dismantle Nairobi City Stars 5-0, with talisman Moses Shummah scoring twice and also setting up new signing Henry Omollo.Gor Mahia defender in Norway for trialsHomeboyz will be aiming to continue their positive momentum with another strong performance in this fixture.Probable Lineups and Tactical SetupShabana FC, under Peter Okidi, typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, and that is expected to be the case here. Maxwell Mulili will likely start in goal, with James Mazembe and Elvis Osok as fullbacks.In central defense, George Onyango and Mark Okola should partner up, while Keith Imbali and Justine Omwando form the midfield pivot. Douglas Mokaya is expected to lead the creative charge, with Brian Michira and Ezekiel Omuri supporting in advanced roles.##NAJAVA_MECA_8744173##Veteran Vincent Nyabuto will probably start as the central striker due to his experience and intelligence.Kakamega Homeboyz, managed by Francis Baraza, typically sets up in a 3-5-2 formation. Simon Masaka will be in goal, with Brian Chala, Francis Omondi, and Boniface Onyango making up the center-back trio.John Omondi and Francis Musisi will likely be deployed as wingbacks. In midfield, Eston Esiye, Glen Masava, and Hillary Otieno will offer balance and control. Up front, Moses Mudavadi and Moses Shummah are expected to lead the attack.Tactical SetupNyarinda joins Bullets hours after being released from AlbaniaShabana FC thrives on a direct, transitional style of play, often relying on quick counter-attacks and set-pieces. Okidi is unlikely to deviate from this approach, which has served them well in the past.Wingers Omuri and Michira bring explosive pace, with the latter, in particular, capable of carrying the ball with impressive stamina and balance, as seen in his assist against Tusker FC, where he used his pace and strength to set up Keith Imbali for a goal.🎥HIGHLIGHTS| Tusker FC 1-1 Shabana FC#Pepeta #FKFPL pic.twitter.com/KX4hw1UQW2— Pepeta (@pepeta_ke) February 26, 2025 Shabana will likely extend their focus on long balls and first/second-ball opportunities. Their forwards will aim to exploit the space behind Homeboyz’s defense, using their speed to disrupt the opposition’s backline.Imbali adds another dimension to their play, offering technical quality in combination play, while Mokaya’s ability to connect with him in tight spaces can be a key factor in unlocking Homeboyz’s defense.Additionally, Shabana will look to capitalize on set-pieces, with quality takers such as Michira, Darius Msagha, and Imbali capable of delivering dangerous balls into the box.##NAJAVA_MECA_8745646##Kakamega Homeboyz, on the other hand, focus heavily on wing play, with their wingbacks often creating overloads in wide areas.In the first leg, both wingbacks played a key role in Homeboyz’s goals: Omondi assisted Shummah’s strike, and Kevin Amwayi contributed to Masava’s goal.Baraza’s side also uses their midfield to overload centrally, creating numerical superiority and penetrating through the middle. Homeboyz’s tactics are likely to involve similar patterns at Gusii Stadium.Harambee Stars legend slams Carragher for disrespecting AFCONMasava’s late runs into the box make him a constant threat in attacking transitions, as demonstrated in his recent goal against City Stars. One area Shabana will need to be cautious is their left fullback position.Mazembe’s attacking forays often leave space behind, which Baraza will likely exploit by instructing one of his forwards to exploit this space during counter-attacks. This tactic could also disrupt Mazembe’s attacking contributions, forcing Shabana to adjust their approach.Defensively, Homeboyz will adopt a solid rest-defense system, with their three central defenders standing firm to cover spaces Shabana might look to exploit during transitions.##NAJAVA_MECA_8745678##Players to WatchFor Shabana, the key man to watch is Brian Michira. As the team’s top scorer, Michira’s aggressive pressing, explosive pace, and ability to absorb contact make him a constant danger to Homeboyz’s defense.His set-piece delivery will also be a major threat for Baraza’s side, who will need to avoid giving away dangerous fouls around the box.Kakamega Homeboyz’s standout player is Moses Shummah, with twelve goals to his name. Shummah is pivotal in linking up play and finishing chances. His physicality in the air, ability to hold off defenders, and aggressive pressing make him a constant nuisance, especially if Shabana tries to build from the back.##NAJAVA_MECA_51253##Shummah’s ability to draw defenders and release teammates into space makes him a key threat for Homeboyz in this encounter.Both teams have key individuals capable of making a difference in this exciting encounter, and it promises to be an intriguing battle of contrasting styles.
