Green Commandos hosted Bungoma Superstars at the Kakamega School Grounds on Saturday afternoon for a crucial FKF Division One clash with the visitors emerging 1-0 victors. The home side, already in a difficult position on the league table, faced additional challenges as a significant portion of their squad had travelled to Nairobi for the Nastic Academy football trials. Having suffered a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture at Bungoma High School, Green Commandos had a tough task ahead as they aimed to get the better of Ibrahim Shikanda’s well-organized Bungoma Superstars. Team SetupOlunga’s message to fans as Kenya falls in World Cup clash, nears scoring recordCoach Suleiman Mathenge deployed his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sadalla Hashim between the posts. Wesonga Charles and Kawere Clement operated as fullbacks, while Rodgers Musonye and Ibrahim Ochieng partnered in central defense. In midfield, Isaac Deng and Joseph Akwanda formed the pivot, shielding the defense while allowing Hamisi Otieno to take on the creative role ahead of them. On the flanks, Makani Bravin and Shikoli Moses provided width, while Nixon Mutimi led the attack. On the other hand, Ibrahim Shikanda set Bungoma Superstars up in a hybrid 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 formation. Walubuka Andrew started in goal, with Mukhwana Boniface and Mbaja Victor as fullbacks, while Barasa Boniface and Keya Brian formed the central defensive pairing. Christopher Situma and Wafula Emmanuel sat in midfield, shielding the backline, while Ian Nyongesa played just ahead of them in an advanced midfield role. Simiyu Oscar and Waswa Samuel provided width on the wings, while Juma Jeremy led the line. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8801622##Tactical BattleNeither team focused on building from the back, instead opting for direct long balls into their strikers, looking to win second balls and create chances from there. Green Commandos struggled in the aerial battles, with Keya and Barasa consistently outmuscling Mutimi, denying the home side a solid target to build from. However, when they did manage to win second balls, they linked up well in midfield before playing the wingers into space. These wide players either cut inside to take a shot or delivered crosses into the box. Gor Mahia hits back at Benni McCarthy’s player release claimsOne of Green Commandos’ biggest threats came from the right wing, where Makani Bravin gave Mbaja a torrid time. Unable to cope with his direct play, Mbaja resorted to fouling him, leading to multiple free-kicks in promising areas. However, despite Bungoma Superstars’ struggles in defending aerial balls, Green Commandos failed to capitalize on their set-piece opportunities. Bungoma Superstars adopted a similar long-ball strategy, aiming goal kicks toward Juma Jeremy, who would look to knock the ball down for Nyongesa. The playmaker then sought to release the wingers quickly for early crosses. This approach worked slightly better for Bungoma, given Juma’s strong physical presence, but he faced a defensive duo in Ochieng and Musonye who held their ground well, making it difficult for Bungoma to generate clear-cut chances. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8803391##One of Bungoma’s key tactical moves was their quick restarts after fouls. Green Commandos were slow to react during transitions, allowing Bungoma to catch them out of position and exploit the spaces left during defensive reorganizations. Defensively, Green Commandos appeared to defend with only six players, as their forward line and attacking midfielder did not track back. Instead, they stayed high up the pitch, hoping to exploit Bungoma on the counterattack. However, this rarely worked, as the visitors adjusted their defensive shape between a three-man and four-man rest defense, depending on the situation. Bungoma Superstars, meanwhile, defended in a structured 4-4-2, with the wingers tucking into midfield, while the striker and attacking midfielder formed the first line of defense, pressing the Green Commandos’ backline. McCarthy explains reason for not calling up Gor Mahia, Tusker playersSecond-Half AdjustmentsIn the second half, both coaches made key tactical changes to try and tilt the game in their favour. Mathenge shifted from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3, with Deng dropping deeper as the lone defensive midfielder, while Akwanda pushed higher up to support the attack. This tweak helped Green Commandos win more second balls and combine better in midfield, making them more effective in possession. They also continued to pose a set-piece threat, with Ochieng and Musonye pushing forward to attack deliveries. However, despite winning most of their aerial battles, they failed to connect cleanly with the ball, wasting several promising chances. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8803388##On the other hand, Shikanda responded with two substitutions, bringing in Fredrick Sudi and Daniel Juma for Wafula and Simiyu. These changes saw Nyongesa drop into a deeper midfield role alongside Situma, while Waswa moved into the central creative role. The newly introduced Sudi and Daniel Juma took over the wide positions, ensuring fresh legs on the flanks. These changes made Bungoma more fluid in possession, as Waswa’s technical ability allowed them to move the ball better through midfield. However, with Situma and Nyongesa pushing forward more aggressively, they left spaces behind them, which Green Commandos could have exploited had they been sharper on the counter. The second half saw both teams create better chances, but the decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Bungoma Superstars once again made the most of their quick restart strategy. Harambee Stars midfielder reveals why he chose Kenya over AustraliaThe Winning GoalDaniel Juma was fouled inside Green Commandos’ half, and Bungoma reacted instantly. Nyongesa took the quick free kick, picking out Situma in midfield, who found himself with acres of space ahead of him. With no immediate pressure, he drove forward before unleashing a powerful long-range shot. The Green Commandos goalkeeper was caught out of position, and the ball rifled past him into the net—a textbook example of Bungoma’s quick-thinking and ability to exploit defensive lapses. With the lead secured, Bungoma Superstars held on until the final whistle, walking away with three valuable points from a closely contested game. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8803387##Final VerdictBungoma Superstars’ victory was built on better aerial duels, quick transitions, and smart tactical adjustments. Green Commandos had their moments, especially down the right wing and in set-piece situations, but their inability to capitalize on these chances proved costly. In the end, Shikanda’s tactical discipline and Bungoma’s sharper execution made the difference in a game that was ultimately decided by a single, well-taken opportunity.
