Kakamega Homeboyz and Sofapaka played out a tactical chess match at the Mumias Sports Complex, settling for a 0-0 draw in a tense FKF Premier League Matchweek 28 fixture.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsHomeboyz, under Francis Baraza, were aiming to stretch their winning run to four games across all competitions, riding high after a strong win away to Bandari.But Sofapaka’s Ezekiel Akwana had different ideas—and it was his well-thought-out tactical plan that blunted the usually dangerous Abana Abeingo attack.Police assault at Dandora Stadium leaves Nation journalist admitted in hospitalSetting the Stage: Familiar Formations, Unfamiliar AdjustmentsFrancis Baraza lined up in his regular 3-5-2 system, with Ibrahim Wanzala in goal and a defensive trio of Boniface Onyango, Brian Eshihanda, and Potiphar Odhiambo.Kevin Amwayi and John Omondi provided width as wingbacks, supporting the midfield trio of Eston Omengo, Glen Masava, and Gospel Otieno. Up top, Pius Wangi and Moses Shummah led the line.##NAJAVA_MECA_8889867##Sofapaka, on the other hand, stuck to a 4-4-2 but made an important operational shift. Edward Olak stood in goal, behind a back four of Nick Mabuka, Derrick Kharmba, Victor Okello, and Charles Junior.Humphrey Mieno and Jack Ong’aya were the midfield anchors, with Joseph Kuloba and Wayne Otieno patrolling the wings. Festus Kipkemoi and Bramuel Simiyu partnered up front.While Akwana typically uses three central midfielders to control the game, this time he sacrificed the extra man in midfield, opting instead to mirror Homeboyz’s wingbacks with true wide players.Harambee Stars striker on target in Norway as Ligi Ndogo product inspires AIK to big win in SwedenIt was a clear response to Homeboyz’s strength in wide areas—and it proved highly effective.How Akwana Disrupted HomeboyzHomeboyz are known for building from the back, often with one centerback stepping into midfield to create triangles and escape the first line of pressure.##NAJAVA_MECA_8889868##Normally, that role is filled by Francis Omondi, who is calm under pressure. However, on this day, Potiphar Odhiambo was tasked with the responsibility, and he looked uncomfortable from the start.Sofapaka pressed smartly: whenever Homeboyz tried to build, either Kipkemoi or Simiyu would press Potiphar aggressively, cutting off easy passing lanes.If the ball went into midfield, the next line of Sofapaka’s press—Mieno and Ong’aya—was ready to intercept or force hurried passes.Gor Mahia cautions against free entry after collecting meagre revenue from ticket salesAkwana also took special care to shut down the wings. Kuloba shadowed Kevin Amwayi’s every move, while Wayne Otieno stuck close to John Omondi, ensuring Homeboyz’s wingbacks had no space to advance.Even when Baraza made changes, bringing on Farouk Musisi and Peter Thiong’o, Sofapaka stayed disciplined, sticking to their defensive assignments.With the flanks neutralised and build-up through the middle difficult, Homeboyz were forced to rely on set-pieces for chances. Eshihanda’s aerial threat was the main concern for Sofapaka, but even he could not find the target despite two free headers from corner kicks.##NAJAVA_MECA_8889864##Baraza’s Second-Half Tweak: More Firepower, Different ShapeSensing the stalemate, Francis Baraza decided to gamble midway through the second half. He substituted midfielder Gospel Otieno for striker Henry Omollo, signalling a clear intent to go for the win.This move saw Pius Wangi drop slightly deeper to operate just behind a two-man front line of Moses Shummah and Henry Omollo. Homeboyz, as a result, shifted from their traditional 3-5-2 to a more aggressive 3-4-3 formation.The idea behind the switch was clear: to get more bodies into attacking positions and overwhelm Sofapaka’s backline by creating 2v2 situations between strikers and defenders. With Wangi pulling strings just behind, Baraza hoped to unlock the stubborn Sofapaka defense.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Metrics that make Kenya U20’s Aldrine Kibet an exceptional midfielderFor a few minutes, the plan seemed to create more urgency and directness. Shummah and Omollo made dangerous runs into the box, and Wangi found pockets of space to operate.However, Sofapaka’s compact defensive block and excellent covering runs by their fullbacks and midfielders kept Homeboyz at bay.Akwana’s Wide Solution Saves the DayIn the end, it was Ezekiel Akwana’s tactical awareness that earned Sofapaka a valuable point on the road. His decision to match Homeboyz’s width and instruct his forwards to smartly press the build-up worked perfectly.##NAJAVA_MECA_8889866##Homeboyz could not impose their usual rhythm, and even with Baraza’s bold second-half shift to a 3-4-3, the visitors stayed organised and limited Homeboyz to half-chances.It was a match that showed how good preparation and small tactical adjustments can make a huge difference, even without scoring goals.Akwana’s plan, simple yet effective, left Homeboyz frustrated and made sure Sofapaka continued their strong finish to the season.
