Kakamega Homeboyz hosted FC Talanta at the Mumias Sports Complex in an FKF Premier League fixture that ended in a goalless draw.Abana Beingo entered the match seeking redemption after a heavy 4-1 loss to Shabana in their previous league fixture. Meanwhile, Talanta, who are battling relegation, had also suffered a defeat against fellow strugglers Bidco United.Lineups and Tactical SetupsSTARS ABROAD: Former AFC Leopards duo face off in Serbia as Joseph Okumu bags clean sheetHomeboyzHomeboyz set up in their usual 3-5-2 formation, with Patrick Matasi in goal. Potiphar Odhiambo, Salim Murunga, and Francis Omondi formed the back three, while Peter Thiong’o and Farouk Musisi operated as wingbacks.Eston Omengo, Glen Masava, and Hillary Otieno started in midfield, with Henry Omollo and Moses Shummah leading the attack.##NAJAVA_MECA_8787536##Head coach Francis Barasa stuck to his usual philosophy of building from the back. Murunga and Odhiambo split wide on either side of Matasi, while Omondi stepped into midfield to form a triangle, aiding ball progression.In the early stages, this phase was smooth, as Talanta did not press high. However, in the second half, Talanta became more aggressive in their pressing, disrupting Homeboyz’ rhythm.The Kakamega-based side’s attacking approach remained a mix of long balls and central/wide combinations to create chances.Fred Ambani infuriated by persistent problem plaguing AFC LeopardsFC TalantaThe 2021 National Super League (NSL) champions started with a 4-2-3-1 formation that occasionally shifted into a 4-3-3. Mustapha Oduor was in goal, with Atariza Herit and Owino Kevin as fullbacks. Odhiambo Bernard and Ombiji Leon were paired in central defense, while Cyprian Mang’eni and Abiola Peter formed the double pivot.Chris Opondo played ahead of them as the attacking midfielder, while Stewart Omondi and Cliff Oruko operated on the wings. Emmanuel Osoro led the attack.##NAJAVA_MECA_8787537##Talanta’s initial plan was to sit deep in a low block and attack in transition through the pace of Osoro, their top scorer. However, Osoro was often outnumbered by Homeboyz’s three-man defensive setup, which easily dispossessed him and initiated their own build-up.The Jackline Juma-coached side also attempted to exploit the spaces left by Homeboyz’ attacking wingbacks, but their execution was ineffective in the first half.One key vulnerability for Talanta was on their left side, where Thiong’o frequently found space and time on the ball. However, his final delivery lacked quality, preventing Homeboyz from capitalizing.Peter Okidi pinpoints one problematic position costing Shabana FCSecond-Half Tactical AdjustmentTalanta made a forced substitution early in the second half, withdrawing the injured Atariza Herit for Malo Evans. This change altered their formation to a more defensive 3-5-2.Owino, Odhiambo, and Ombiji now formed a back three, while Mang’eni shifted to left wing-back and Malo took over as the right wing-back. Osoro and Opondo remained the strikers, though Opondo often dropped deep into midfield to assist in defensive duties and build-up play.##NAJAVA_MECA_8787529##This adjustment stabilized Talanta’s defense significantly. Mang’eni tracked back effectively, closing down the channels that Homeboyz had exploited earlier. Additionally, the extra defender provided more cover, making it difficult for Homeboyz’ two strikers to find space.Odhiambo closely marked Shummah, although he occasionally struggled in aerial duels due to Shummah’s physicality. Meanwhile, Ombiji effectively neutralized Omollo, ensuring the striker had minimal influence in the final third. Owino provided additional cover, clearing loose balls and helping Talanta create a 3v2 numerical advantage in defensive situations.Recognizing the difficulty Omollo faced against Ombiji, Homeboyz made an in-game adjustment, switching Omollo and Shummah’s positions. However, this did little to change the outcome, as Ombiji was equally dominant against Shummah, nullifying Homeboyz’s aerial threat from diagonal and vertical passes.”Brenda Achieng is a national treasure” – Kenyans react to Junior Starlets win in FIFA U17 Women’s World CupTalanta’s defensive resilience forced Homeboyz to withdraw both Shummah and Omollo at different moments, as neither striker was able to impact the game.ConclusionTalanta’s tactical shift in the second half proved decisive in shutting down Homeboyz’ attacking threats. By reinforcing their defense and improving their tracking in wide areas, they successfully frustrated their opponents.##NAJAVA_MECA_8787528##While the match ended in a goalless draw, the result was more valuable for Talanta, as it showed their ability to adapt and hold their ground against a strong opponent.With the draw, Kakamega Homeboyz remained sixth in the league standings, while Talanta stayed in the relegation playoff zone, still fighting for survival.
