In a high-stakes FKF Premier League round 31 clash at the iconic Mumias Sports Complex, Kakamega Homeboyz delivered a tactically astute performance to edge out league leaders Police FC 2-1.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News The win not only reinvigorated Abana Beingo’s strong finish to the campaign but also threw the title race wide open, dealing a heavy blow to Police’s ambitions.The law enforcers, needing a win to keep their grip on the summit, found themselves chasing the game early after a defensive lapse allowed Homeboyz to take the lead from the spot.##NAJAVA_MECA_8928930##Moses Shummah converted coolly after Bensoul Mukhwana was brought down in the box by Charles Ouma.Police responded before halftime through a well-timed header from Mohamed Bajaber, but Glen Otunga Masava’s second-half strike, set up again by the electric Mukhwana, ultimately decided the tie.Tactical Setups and Strategic ApproachesFrancis Baraza stayed loyal to his trusted 3-5-2 system, banking on defensive stability and midfield overload to control the game.Ibrahim Wanzala started in goal behind a compact back three of Brian Eshihanda, Potiphar Odhiambo, and Boniface Onyango.The wingback roles were occupied by Kevin Amwayi and John Omondi, who offered width both defensively and in transitions.The midfield trio of Eston Omengo, Glen Masava, and Hillary Otieno provided balance, while the frontline featured Moses Shummah and Bensoul Mukhwana, both central to Homeboyz’s attacking execution.Nairobi City Stars coach sends defiant message in relegation scrapEtienne Ndayiragije, on the other hand, opted for his 4-2-3-1 structure.Job Ochieng stood between the sticks, shielded by a backline of Baraka Badi, Abud Omar, Brian Okoth, and David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng.Brian Musa and Charles Ouma sat in the double pivot to provide defensive cover and build-up stability.Ahead of them, Kenneth Muguna operated as the playmaker, flanked by Mohamed Bajaber on the left and Marvin Nabwire, deployed in an interesting narrow role on the right.David Simiyu led the line, tasked with holding up play and bringing others into attacking areas.Tusker capitulate in title race as Emmanuel Osoro takes charge of ‘Golden Boot’ chasePolice’s Offensive Intent and Tactical TweaksUnderstanding the stakes, the Police looked to assert themselves early, playing on the front foot.Ndayiragije’s decision to deploy Nabwire as a narrow winger rather than a traditional wide player was a tactical nuance designed to exploit central overloads and half-space entries.Nabwire’s late surges into the box had previously yielded goals against Bandari and Kariobangi Sharks, and the coach seemingly aimed to replicate that success here.The strategy revolved around a mix of methodical build-up from the back and direct balls into Simiyu, whose physicality and hold-up play provided a platform for Muguna and Nabwire to make penetrating runs.Muguna, in particular, was effective in attacking the half-spaces, especially the gap between Homeboyz’s outside centre-back and wingback, repeatedly creating promising situations.##NAJAVA_MECA_8925838##However, the Police’s lack of clinical execution in the final third meant they could not fully capitalise on these incursions.Homeboyz Exploit Defensive Blind SpotsWhere the Police failed to convert their tactical openings, Homeboyz thrived on exploiting the Police’s most glaring weakness: defending the blind side.The first goal epitomised this. Hillary Otieno delivered a diagonal pass to the advancing John Omondi on the blind side.Omondi’s intelligent one-touch release found Mukhwana inside the box, who was fouled by Okoth, clearly caught out of position and reacting late.Shummah stepped up to slot home the penalty, bringing his season tally to an impressive 16 goals.Relief for Kenyan referee as State intervention secures U.S. visaThe second goal, early in the second half, was a near carbon copy in concept.After regaining possession in midfield, Homeboyz quickly transitioned, with Shummah feeding Mukhwana after receiving the ball in the left channel.As Police defenders were drawn towards the ball carrier, Masava made a ghosting late run into the space they left behind.Mukhwana showed exceptional awareness to tee him up, and Masava rifled in what proved to be the match-winner.##NAJAVA_MECA_8925741##Ndayiragije Responds, But Homeboyz Stay ResoluteSensing the game slipping away, Ndayiragije made a double substitution—bringing on David Okoth and Eric Zakayo for Brian Okoth and Kenneth Muguna.The reshuffle saw Charles Ouma drop into central defence alongside Cheche, while Nabwire moved into a deeper midfield role next to Brian Musa.Zakayo assumed the playmaker role, flanked by Okoth and Bajaber.It was a bold tactical reshaping meant to inject creativity and urgency into Police’s attacking transitions.Yet, Homeboyz remained structurally disciplined, dropping into a mid-to-low block, lowering the tempo of the game, and looking to spring counter-attacks through the pace of Mukhwana and Shummah.Kenyan champion off to winning start in Africa Individual Chess ChampionshipDespite Police’s increasing possession and final-third entries, Baraza’s men answered every question with defensive solidity and timely interventions.Tactical Discipline and Clinical Execution Win the DayIn the end, it was Francis Baraza’s tactical clarity and Homeboyz’s efficiency in exploiting defensive blind spots that secured the win.While Police had moments of promise, particularly through Muguna and Nabwire’s intelligent positioning, their inability to defend key spaces and finish chances proved costly.A key tactical highlight was Etienne Ndayiragije’s use of Marvin Nabwire in a narrow wide role.Though the intent behind the tweak was sound—aimed at maximising late runs and central overloads—Homeboyz’s compact defensive shape and midfield awareness blunted the threat.NSL: Nairobi United march closer to promotion after edging Luanda Villa to go seven points clearBaraza’s decision to maintain a structured 3-5-2 and trust his wingbacks to pin back Police’s wide men proved effective, while the attacking duo of Mukhwana and Shummah continually caused problems with their movement and interplay.Glen Masava’s timing and spatial awareness added another dimension to their attacks.As a result, Kakamega Homeboyz walked away with a deserved 2-1 victory, underlining the power of tactical discipline, adaptability, and sharp execution in key moments.##NAJAVA_MECA_8925865##For Police FC, it’s back to the drawing board as their title push takes a significant hit, with Gor Mahia lurking ominously just five points behind and two games in hand.
