Match AnalysisPosta Rangers hosted Shabana FC on Sunday, February 9, 2024, in a Round 20 FKF Premier League clash, desperately needing a win to steer clear of the relegation zone.Coming into this fixture, Samuel ‘Pamzo’ Omollo’s side had the league’s worst defensive record, conceding 29 goals in 19 games. In contrast, Shabana, under Peter Okidi, was riding high on an unbeaten run since the start of the year.LineupsOmollo set up Rangers in a 4-2-3-1 formation. John Njau returned in goal, with Maurice Sunga and Eric Juma at fullback.##NAJAVA_MECA_8702726##Bernard Ondiek and Faustine Ojiambo anchored the central defense. Vincent Wasambo and Henry Juma formed the double pivot in midfield, while Tanzanian playmaker Shami Kibwana took on the creative role.Curtis Wekesa and Brian Otieno patrolled the wings, and Felix Oluoch led the line.Shabana mirrored this setup with AFC Leopards loanee Maxwell Mulili in goal. The back four featured Elvis Osok, James Mazembe, Mark Okola, and George Onyango.Sam Kintu and Justine Omwando sat deep in midfield, while Daglas Mokaya pulled strings in the number 10 role. Brian Michira and Kevin Omundi provided width, supporting striker Dennis Okoth.Tactical SetupIn the first half, Posta focused on hitting Shabana on the counter, exploiting the spaces left behind when Mazembe and Osok pushed forward from fullback.In possession, Rangers built from the back with center-backs splitting wide and Wasambo dropping deep to form a passing triangle.Football Kenya Federation pledges to settle referee dues and introduce key reformsThis setup helped them bypass Shabana’s initial press, as Okoth and Mokaya struggled in a 3v2 disadvantage.However, Rangers’ buildup play rarely led to quality chances. The fullbacks were hesitant to overlap, as Omollo was cautious of Shabana’s speed on the break.His decision to field Sunga, a natural center-back, at right-back highlighted this defensive approach, prioritizing solidity over attacking width.When Rangers did break forward, Oluoch and Kibwana combined well, exploiting gaps left by Mazembe and Osok.##NAJAVA_MECA_8702627##Their quick counters created several dangerous moments, resulting in two goals and another effort ruled offside.Shabana, meanwhile, mixed patient buildup with rapid transitions, aiming to catch Rangers’ defense off-balance.Their backline split wide during the buildup, with Kintu dropping deep to form a similar triangle. Omwando pushed higher up, linking with Mazembe, Osok, and Mokaya in midfield.Shabana easily bypassed Posta’s passive pressing, with Rangers dropping into a 4-4-2 block once the first line was breached.Okidi’s fluid front line, with wingers frequently switching flanks, caused constant problems for Rangers.Michira’s pace and 1v1 ability were especially problematic, and Shabana’s attackers consistently won second balls and aerial duels, exposing Rangers’ defensive frailties.Vihiga United’s long-serving star mulls retirement after over a decade of serviceFirst Half GoalsShabana struck first, capitalizing on Rangers’ sluggish defense. Just past midfield, Omwando played an outside-foot pass behind the defense, finding Okoth.The striker outpaced a slow-reacting Ondiek and slotted home, showcasing Shabana’s superior speed and sharpness.Posta Rangers equalized in the 43rd minute through a textbook counterattack. Goalkeeper Njau collected a corner and quickly released Oluoch down the left. Spotting Shami Kibwana’s run into unmarked space, Oluoch delivered a precise pass, and Kibwana calmly finished to level the score.Match highlights: Posta 2-1 Shabana#FKFPL #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/F1bCtiAmeY— Eric Njiru ⚽️ (@EricNjiiru) February 9, 2025 Second HalfShabana’s Okidi made the first move, bringing on Derrick Oketch and Keith Imbali for Omundi and Kintu.Imbali, more attack-minded and creative, was tasked with improving Shabana’s buildup, though his defensive weaknesses left them exposed to counters.Omollo, satisfied with his side’s first-half performance, stuck with his starting XI, maintaining the counterattacking strategy.##NAJAVA_MECA_8704224##Second Half GoalPosta Rangers grabbed the lead through another counterattack. Ondiek won a duel against Okoth and quickly fed Brian Otieno, who released Oluoch down the right.Oluoch beat Mazembe in 1v1 and delivered a cutback for Wekesa. Though Mulili saved Wekesa’s initial shot, he buried the rebound on his second attempt.The goal exposed Shabana’s vulnerabilities on the counter, with Osok caught out of position and no midfield cover due to Kintu’s substitution for the more attacking Imbali.Levis Opiyo reveals key to stellar form and mental resilience at AFC LeopardsLater ChangesOmollo brought on Lewis Shivachi and Brian Marita for Oluoch and Wekesa. Marita’s pace kept Mazembe pinned back, preventing his overlapping runs, while Shivachi added fresh legs up front.Okidi responded with more attacking substitutions, bringing in Austin Odongo for Omwando and later Moses Shikanda for Okoth. Shabana shifted to a 4-4-2, but despite the added firepower, they couldn’t find an equalizer.Posta Rangers’ disciplined defense and relentless counters held firm through 11 minutes of added time, securing a crucial win that lifted them out of the relegation zone.##NAJAVA_MECA_8705740##
