FKF Premier League promotion hopefuls APS Bomet suffered a setback in their campaign at Mumboha Grounds, falling 1-0 to hosts Luanda Villa in a National Super League (NSL) clash.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe defeat extended Bomet’s winless run to three games—their longest of the season—and came at a time when the club had just secured a five-month sponsorship deal worth Ksh5.5 million from a gaming firm, along with an additional Ksh270,000 earmarked for kitting.Head coach Evans Mafuta now finds himself in unfamiliar territory. His side has not lost a game since December 11, 2024, when they fell to Kisumu All Stars, and he will have to dig deep to get them back on track.Mozzart Bet Cup quarter finals set after dramatic Round of 16The match was filled with drama, with unrest among fans both during and after the game. However, security personnel handled the situation effectively, allowing the tactical battle between the two coaches to take center stage.In the end, it was Luanda Villa’s Leonard Saleh who came out on top with a well-executed game plan focused on bypassing midfield and exploiting the speed of his forwards.Saleh lined up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ogenda Joseph in goal. Osumba Gerishom and Munala Paul took up the fullback roles, while Benson Ngerego and Obonyo Samuel partnered in central defence.##NAJAVA_MECA_8849766##Odiwuor George and Nato Jairus operated as the double pivot, with Mbuya Wayne orchestrating play in the number 10 role. The front line featured Barrack Victor, Otieno Derrick, and Omondi Fidel.Luanda Villa adopted a direct approach, avoiding structured buildup from the back in favor of long balls and pressure on second balls.While they struggled to win initial aerial duels—especially with APS Bomet captain Daniel Odhiambo dominant in the air—they found success in recovering second balls thanks to an aggressive man-to-man press. This pressure extended even to throw-ins, creating several dangerous moments for the hosts.President Ruto’s promise during impromptu visit at Talanta Sports Stadium [PHOTOS]Villa’s physicality proved decisive in one-on-one duels. Barrack and Omondi consistently outpaced and outmuscled Bomet’s fullbacks. While left-back Chris Wilunda managed to match the tempo, right-back Duke Muhoro had trouble containing Omondi, forcing Odhiambo to frequently cover for him.Saleh’s tactical masterstroke came in how Villa shaped up during goal kicks and restarts, shifting into a 4-2-4 formation. This compact, narrow setup occupied all of Bomet’s defenders and forced defensive midfielder Anthony Naibei to drop deep to mark Villa’s attacking midfielder.The result was a 2v2 scenario in midfield, where Villa’s aggressive double pivot often came out on top, winning second balls and maintaining pressure on Bomet’s backline.##NAJAVA_MECA_8849740##The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute. Bomet had a throw-in deep in their half, which Wilunda took. Villa pressed aggressively, forcing a miskick that landed at Omondi Fidel’s feet. He sped past Muhoro and surged into the box.Although Odhiambo moved in to cover, Omondi was too quick, reaching the byline and delivering a pinpoint cross that Barrack nodded home after eluding his marker. It proved to be the match-winning goal.The second half saw both teams stick to their tactical plans. Bomet resorted to direct balls into the center forward, but Ogenda dealt with them comfortably. Their fullbacks pushed higher in search of width, leaving spaces behind, but Villa could not capitalize.Okidi berates officials after Shabana’s Mozzart Bet Cup exitA notable tweak saw Wilunda occasionally tuck into midfield when Bomet were in possession, but this had little effect. With the game bypassing the midfield for long stretches, Bomet’s central players were often limited to defensive duties, reducing their influence in possession and diminishing their chances of mounting a comeback.Luanda Villa remained disciplined, maintaining a flat back four with fullbacks staying deep. Their double pivot dropped deeper as well, focusing on controlling the game without the ball. The plan worked perfectly as they stifled Bomet’s attempts to create chances and saw out the win.Luanda Villa’s tactical discipline and physical edge handed them a deserved 1-0 win over promotion-chasing APS Bomet. While Bomet dominated in some areas, Saleh’s game plan—to exploit second balls, press relentlessly, and create overloads in advanced areas—was expertly executed.##NAJAVA_MECA_8849713##With the win, Villa not only claimed a vital three points but also exposed the fragility in Bomet’s recent form. For Mafuta and his side, the focus must now shift to regrouping quickly as the race for promotion tightens.
