FKF Nationl Division 2 Eastern Zone C midweek fixtures saw Play Master FC come up against South B All Stars at the Karangita grounds. Play Master have set their sights on promotion and after stringing good results this dream could slowly be turned into a reality , though very early days to gauge. It was set to be a tricky fixture as South B Allstars are no pushovers themselves. In this tactical analysis piece I look to decode the tactical approaches exhibited in the game. A game that saw Play Master Lions FC emerge as 2-1 winners. A win that gives them added momentum in their pursuit for promotion.##NAJAVA_MECA_7370722##Team StructuresPlay Master Lions FC set up in a 1-4-3-3 formation. In goal was the vocal Paul Okumu. Isaac Wangari and Ryan Muricho were the fullbacks while the resolute duo of Victor Mirembe and Wilfred Mwirahia formed the centre back pairing. Talisman Salomi Wasiu was the central defensive midfielder tasked with starting attacks from deep and screening the backline. Michael Ogede and Brian Ongocho were the advanced central midfielders, working well to attack the half spaces. Bryson Katuu and Andres Odhiambo were the wide attackers with Chrispus Wanjala leading the attack.On possession, Play Master FC looked to lay emphasis on building out from low output by the goalkeeper; they would then look to funnel the ball wide into the wingers, who would combine well with the midfielders and advancing fullbacks to play in the central striker. Play Master FC looked to employ the overload to isolate scenario well with overloads majorly on the left side as the right side was for 1v1 possibilities through a switch ball.Out Of Possession, Play Master looked to mark zonally. In given instances the player near the ball was the one tasked with ‘disturbing the opponent’, looking to deny any progression as the team behind occupies their zones well. On the long balls they defended aerially well and their 1-4-4-2 block was resolute, denying any form of progressive line breaks by the opponents. This mid-block forced the opposition, known for playing calm passing football to go long into the striker. The attacking scheme data illustrates this well.South B Allstars set up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation. Under the tutelage of coach Wilfred Kiarie, the ‘Pride of South B” had Kennedy Awoko in goal. John Vundi and Roy Mwangi formed the centre back pairing as Sila Mutone and Zaid Mohammed were the fullbacks. The double pivot consisted of Gabriel Laipot and Bernard Ouma with Ginalo Wanjiku advanced.What was interesting was the advanced midfield role saw rotations between Wanjiku and Laipot with Ouma maintaining his deep position. Kevin Nzioki and Henry Mwangi were the wide threat as Dickson Omwenga was tasked with getting the goals, this he did, netting the solitary South B goal.In possession , as the attacking scheme show-South B Allstars looked to go directly into their striker Omwenga. This being their preferred mode of attack, playing direct balls in behind, electing to break lines by going over. Mandela angling for second chance in football after skull surgeryAs the game progressed and South B looked to exert more control they looked to drop Ouma lower to orchestrate the first phase. The fullbacks also remained low as the wingers stayed high and wide. Out of possession South B All-Stars’ did not look to aggressively press high, sitting off in a 1-4-4-2 mid/low block. They looked to direct Play Master Lions FC out wide. This action of dragging the opposition wide did not work well as they struggled due to the neat combination play of Play Master Lions FC.As stated above, the main set up of the game was Play Master Lions looking to pile as much pressure as they could on the South B All Stars block. Play Master Lions had positional, quantitative and qualitative superiority. They would look to overload the South B All Stars last line of defense and look to move their block through switch balls. However, Play Master Lions had the right man leading the line in Wanjala, the striker portrayed impeccable back to goal qualities. His hold up play and dropping deep to combine and allow runners off him gave his team the ability to always threaten. Were it not for rushed decision making in the final third Play Master could have amassed a larger goal count. The 2-1 score line really flattering the away South B All Stars. South B had their goalkeeper to thank who pulled some good saves to deny the opposition who raided his goal.Noting that the game could be slipping away, South B All Stars technical bench made a change, sacrificing both their wingers. They brought in Yusuf Tanzena a left full back and Victor Odhiambo an attacking midfielder. This action saw them push Mohhammed forward and have Odhiambo play near Omwenga. They now lined up in a 1-4-4-2 formation in possession, however, they seemed to disable the right wing, playing more bodies centrally between the lines. On scattered instances did Omwenga or Odhiambo drift wide into the right wing area. South B now laid emphasis on attacking through the left. After pushing Mohhammed higher, he was now their main threat, looking to take his man on well and let in crosses. His involvement saw a major increase in their crossing from 3 in the first half to 7.Play Master Lions FC also shook things up. They brought off winger Andres Odhiambo for striker Charly Kilanga. This saw Charly move centrally and danger man Wanjala move wide. He was still a threat from here looking to hit the byline and cutback into the striker. His versatility was on show. It was an intriguing tactical battle from the two sides. A game which should have been comfortable for the home team turned into a nervy affair. Both sides will now have to quickly take the lessons learnt from this encounter and soldier on as the games in their division are coming in thick and fast.
