Kakamega Veterans FC were eliminated from the Mozzart Bet Cup after losing 4-3 in a penalty shootout to Kapenguria United, following a 1-1 draw in regular time. The Veterans advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating JW FC at Panpaper Ilala Stadium, setting up a clash with the West Pokot-based Division Two Zone B team at Mumias Sports Complex. LineupsMOFA coach singles out player for praise despite losing to Kenya PoliceUnder the guidance of Anthony ‘Ofec’ Okumu, a former Mumias Sugar FC player, Kakamega Veterans lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. Jaffar Shikolo started in goal, with Raymond Otieno and Sakwa Simon being given the nod as fullbacks. George Wesa and Muhaka Hudson partnered in central defence, while Chrispinus Mathenge and Amunga Caleb played in midfield. Chris Ouma and Yakub Jafar provided width, while Aloyce Mangi and Francis Chinjili led the attack. The Veterans’ strategy was to play direct balls into the channels for the wingers to attack, either delivering crosses or passing into the forwards, Mangi and Chinjili, who would hold the ball up and involve their teammates. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8762667##Both strikers had solid performances, especially in the first half. Chinjili, the more active of the two, often dropped into midfield to create overloads or drifted wide to stretch the opposition. His physicality allowed him to shake off markers and link up play, creating dangerous moments. His goal came from a well-executed move: receiving the ball, evading defenders, and curling a left-footed shot into the top right corner, a typical striker’s finish.Defensively, the Veterans maintained a compact 4-4-2 shape, with the wingers tucking in to help close down space in midfield. They avoided building from the back, opting instead for long balls to the channels or behind the defensive line. England-based Harambee Stars prospect set for lengthy spell out with injuryKapenguria United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ramadhan Bashir in goal, Sammy Suchi and Brian Plimo as fullbacks, Benson Sikuku and Emmanuel Krop in central defence, and Joshua Kemoi and Charles Obunga as the double pivot. Morgan Ekamaus played as the central attacking midfielder, while Gregory Kipkemoi and Fredrick Kiprop operated as wingers. Peter Poghisio led the line.Kapenguria’s strategy focused on long balls for the forwards to chase and a direct attacking style down the wings. The wingers aimed to isolate fullbacks and win 1v1 duels, but their tactics struggled in the first half, and they went into halftime trailing.##NAJAVA_MECA_8766924##In the second half, Kapenguria made a triple substitution, replacing Joshua Kemoi, Fredrick Kiprop, and Peter Poghisio with Jeremiah Kipng’etich, Isaac Ngachi, and Kipkemoi Augustino. These changes altered their shape, with Ngachi pushing higher up the field, while Augustino added more energy up front. Kipng’etich provided width on the left, winning several fouls and causing problems for the fullbacks. With Ngachi playing further forward, Kapenguria effectively switched to a 4-3-3, with five players remaining ahead of the ball when out of possession.Trends Gen Z are using to reshape Kenyan football cultureThis tactical shift paid off in the 54th minute when Ngachi capitalized on a rebound to equalize. Realizing his team was under pressure, coach Okumu made his own changes, replacing Chinjili and Mangi with Andrew Diego and Barasa Michael, bringing fresh legs to keep the Kapenguria defence on edge. However, these substitutions did not change the momentum, and Kapenguria remained a threat. In an effort to regain control, Okumu made another change, bringing on Brian Matekwa for Mathenge. Matekwa’s calmness in midfield helped stabilize the Veterans’ play, but the tactical shift in the final stages was what really altered the game. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8766918##Okumu introduced Dennis Mukaisi and Lusimba Robinson for Ouma and Jafar, switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation. The defence remained unchanged, but Barasa and Lusimba moved to the wings while Mukaisi played behind Diego, who now led the attack. This adjustment gave the Veterans more numbers in midfield, allowing them to control possession and create more opportunities. However, they were unable to capitalize on their improved play, and the match ended 1-1. Kapenguria ultimately triumphed 4-3 in the penalty shootout to advance to the Round of 16, where they will face FKF Premier League side Kenya Police FC.
