Mathare United inched closer to securing their season’s objective, another campaign in the FKF Premier League, with a well-earned 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars at the Dandora Stadium in a tightly contested encounter. Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe win not only lifted the Slum Boys above their military opponents on the table, but also marked their first triumph over Ulinzi Stars in over four years — a symbolic victory that spoke volumes of their steady resurgence under head coach John Kamau.Coming into the game, the two sides were level on points but separated by goal difference: Ulinzi held a slightly better margin at -2 compared to Mathare’s -15. Mashemeji Derby date confirmedWith pride and mid-table security at stake, both teams were keen to assert their dominance. In the end, it was Kamau’s in-game tactical intelligence and a moment of brilliance from Musa Masika that separated the two sides.First Half: Mathare’s Structured Start and Tactical BalanceJohn Kamau made a deliberate shift in shape from the 3-5-2 used in their 3-1 loss to AFC Leopards, opting instead for a more fluid 3-4-3 formation. This change was not just about numbers — it was designed to give Mathare more control in wide areas and create central overloads. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8931535##Robert Mboya started in goal, protected by a back three of Cedric Asango, Ian Omondi, and Francis Kayugi. Wingbacks Sammy Imbuye and John Nyawir provided width, while Mohamed Kilume and Brian Ochieng anchored midfield. Up front, the trio of Musa Masika, Paul Kinyanjui, and Donald Ange offered mobility, link-up play, and a degree of unpredictability.Mathare’s approach in possession was patient and calculated. The outside centre-backs split wide to initiate build-up play, allowing wingbacks to push higher and create passing triangles with the midfielders. Tusker FC head coach posts cryptic message after 7-1 loss to SofapakaThe build-up was often channelled through the half-spaces, with Masika and Kinyanjui tucking inside to form a temporary box midfield. This created a 4v3 advantage against Ulinzi’s central midfield trio, allowing Mathare to dictate the tempo and progression of the game.The Slum Boys repeatedly tried to exploit the narrow defensive structure of Ulinzi Stars, aiming to isolate fullbacks through quick switches of play. Imbuye and Nyawir often found themselves with time to whip in crosses, but Amatton Samunya and Fredrick Oduor remained disciplined at the heart of Ulinzi’s defense, neutralising many of these threats.##NAJAVA_MECA_8931497##Despite Mathare’s strong positional play, their offensive end product lacked bite in the first half. Ulinzi, meanwhile, sought to exploit the space behind the wingbacks through quick transitions. Boniface Muchiri and Yankeen Muteheli frequently peeled wide, aiming to isolate the outer centre-backs in foot races. Oscar Wamalwa played as a physical target man, attempting to drag defenders with him to create lanes for his teammates. However, Ulinzi’s transitions were poorly timed or overhit, and Mathare’s defensive trio held their line well under pressure.Shabana rakes in Ksh 1.4m despite home loss to Mara SugarThe first half ended goalless, but the tactical battle was simmering with tension.Second Half: Ulinzi’s Recalibration and Kamau’s ResponseUlinzi emerged for the second half with a more proactive approach. Coach Dunstan Nyaudo altered their strategy from direct transitional play to a more possession-oriented system. The aim was to draw Mathare’s press into midfield before releasing wide players into advanced positions. This adjustment paid off in terms of territorial advantage, as Ulinzi began to control the rhythm and pinned Mathare deeper in their own half.##NAJAVA_MECA_8931709##Sensing the tide shifting, Kamau made critical substitutions to regain midfield control. Kevin Ouru and Elli Asieche were introduced for Kinyanjui and Ange, prompting a tactical shift from a 3-4-3 to a 3-5-2. This allowed Mathare to mirror Ulinzi’s central midfield setup while adding more technical security in possession.Ouru occupied the attacking midfield role just behind the advancing pair of Kilume and Ochieng, while Masika was granted a freer role alongside Asieche in attack. The presence of three natural midfielders restored numerical balance and helped Mathare regain control of the central areas. Sour afternoon for Harambee Stars defenders in EuropeMasika, in particular, thrived under the new setup. With midfield cover behind him, he dropped deeper to collect possession, drifted into space between the lines, and carried the ball with confidence.The tactical tweak paid dividends in the 75th minute. After a well-constructed move from the back, Masika found himself in a pocket of space outside the Ulinzi penalty area. With no immediate pressure, he let fly with a curling strike that soared past Ricks Omondi and into the top corner — a goal worthy of winning any game.##NAJAVA_MECA_8935675##Final Moments: Composure and Game ManagementWith the lead secured, Kamau directed his side into a more compact 5-3-2 block to manage the remaining minutes. The wingbacks dropped deeper, the midfield trio sat tighter, and the front two focused on pressing Ulinzi’s build-up from the front. Ulinzi responded with more attacking substitutions, trying to overload the flanks and push numbers forward, but Mathare’s disciplined structure and positional awareness held firm.Mboya, though largely untested in the second half, remained alert and marshalled his box well during set pieces. Mathare saw out the game with maturity, showing a composure in game management that has at times eluded them this season.CONFIRMED: Harambee Stars midfielder to feature in English League One next seasonConclusion: Tactical Flexibility and Masika’s Brilliance Make the DifferenceMathare United’s long-awaited victory over Ulinzi Stars — their first in four years — was not just a result of individual brilliance, but a testament to tactical adaptability. John Kamau’s switch from a 3-4-3 to a 3-5-2 neutralised Ulinzi’s midfield ascendancy and empowered key players like Masika to influence the game higher up the pitch.Masika’s goal was the headline moment, but the real triumph lay in Mathare’s collective structure, technical discipline, and tactical evolution across the match. With the win, Mathare now sit 10th on 40 points, three ahead of Ulinzi Stars, who drop to 11th with 37.##NAJAVA_MECA_8934391##If Kamau continues to read games with such clarity and respond with proactive, tailored solutions, the Slum Boys may not just achieve their season’s goals, but they could redefine their trajectory next season altogether.
