Mathare United played host to FC Talanta at Dandora Stadium, in what already felt like a relegation six-pointer this early in the season as both teams set out to get maximum points from the clash.In this tactical analysis piece, we look to understand how both sides set up in the encounter and how Mathare’s in-game changes shifted the pendulum in their favour to win the game 2-0 and push the team higher up in the standings.Mathare set up in an initial 1-4-3-3 base formation. Michael Wanyika was in goal with Sammy Imbuye and Erickson Mulu the preferred fullbacks. Sensational Daniel Mukok partnered Cetric Asango in central defense.Gor Mahia fans force captain to apologise after first defeat of season [VIDEO]The midfield three was full of dynamism with Elli Asieche, Kevin Kimani and Mohammed Kilume running the show. On-loan AFC Leopards stalwart Christopher Koloti led the line, flanked by Daniel Odhiambo and Hillary Ng’eno.Talanta under head coach Jackline Juma set up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation. After a not-so-good outing against Tusker FC, Gabriel Andika was dropped for Mustapha Oduor, the backline consisted of Peter Njammah, Bernard Odhiambo, Geoffrey Shiveka and Jairo Michael.Enock Machaka and Peter Abiola were the central midfield pairing with December Kisaka as the advanced midfielder. Captain Augustine Kuta and Erick Otieno were to pose a wide threat.##NAJAVA_MECA_8445354##The Slum Boys looked to build up in a 1-4-3-3 formation, with Asieche and Kimani advanced in between the lines as Kilume dropped to aid in progression as the first-phase midfielder.The fullbacks started deeper in the build-up and then pushed higher when they progressed through the phases, with the wingers staying high and wide in the initial phase.The build-up structure was to majorly drag out, the Talanta wingers to create space for Mathare’s wide men to generate 1v1 situations out wide.Ismael Dunga opens up on challenges faced while with Greek and Albanian clubsTo counter this, as Mathare’s main mode of progression was to go man for man in their out-of-possession structure, this morphed their out-of-possession shape into a 4-3-3 too.This seemed to cause issues for the Mathare phases in possession, to counter this, Mathare pushed for more mobility in the midfield. Kimani looked to now drop wider and occupy the left back role in build-up, this caused slight disarray in the Talanta shape as communication of switches was slightly off.The Talanta right winger jumped leaving the fullback with a 2v1 as Mulu pushed higher. This coupled with late diagonal runs from Asieche created chances for cutbacks that they could not bury.##NAJAVA_MECA_8445398##In a half they clearly controlled, Mathare decided to make some changes at halftime to get the much-deserved goal. They took off the striker and winger Hillary Kiprotich for Derrick Anami and Meshack Ochieno, two out-and-out centre forwards.This led to a switch in shape from a 1-4-3-3 to a 1-4-1-3-2 structure. Imbuye provided width on the right-hand side. The half started on a good note for Mathare who scored early from a corner kick, and flicked in at the near post.From there on it was one-way traffic, with Talanta struggling to pick up Mathare’s men in midfield, who now had a 3v1 overload. Good combination down the right hand and a trademark late run into the box to slot the ball home.Former Gor Mahia captain signs for Division Two clubThe tactical switch of structure was commendable in getting Mathare to eight points, as Talanta will need to get things right with their games in hand to catch up.
