Tusker FC were left shell-shocked by a rampant Sofapaka side in a Round 31 FKF Premier League fixture at Dandora Stadium, suffering a crushing 7-1 defeat that severely dented their title hopes.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe result marks one of the heaviest defeats in Tusker’s recent top-flight history and continues their poor run at Dandora Stadium, where all but one of their league losses this season have occurred.Historically, matches between these two sides have often been tightly contested. Since their first encounter in 2009, Sofapaka and Tusker have built a competitive rivalry.Victor Wanyama takes first step towards coaching careerTusker has generally had the upper hand in league standings and results, but Sunday’s match was a sharp reversal of recent trends.This was Sofapaka’s biggest win over the Brewers and the most goals Tusker have conceded in a single Premier League match in over a decade.Tusker came into the match under pressure, having lost 2-0 to FC Talanta in their previous outing, a result that left head coach Charles Okere needing a swift response to keep their title challenge alive.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939823##However, Sofapaka, led by Ezekiel Akwana, had other ideas. The comprehensive win not only highlighted Tusker’s vulnerabilities but also underscored Akwana’s tactical brilliance on the day.Tactical Setup and Game PlanAkwana stuck with his trusted 4-4-2 formation. Edward Olak started in goal, protected by a back four of Baron Ochieng, Derrick Mwanzi, Charles Junior, and Victor Okello. Five reasons why Sinisa Mihic was bound to fail as Gor Mahia coachThe midfield featured the experienced Humphrey Mieno and the dynamic Jack Ong’aya at its base, with wide players Joseph Kuloba and Wayne Otieno supporting the front two of Edward Omondi and Rodgers Kipkemoi.Okere countered with a 4-2-3-1 setup. Brian Opondo started in goal, behind a defensive line of Yusuf Mainge, George Kaddu, Charles Momanyi, and Alex Onchwari. Denis Iguma and Chrispine Erambo operated as a double pivot, with Eric Balecho in the number ten role. Luke Namanda and Ian Simiyu provided width, while Deogratious Ojok led the line.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939721##From the onset, Sofapaka’s game plan was clear—overload the central zones and play through Tusker’s midfield. Akwana’s tactical twist involved encouraging his fullbacks, particularly Mwanzi, to drive inside rather than stay wide.These inward movements pulled Tusker’s midfielders out of position, creating central overloads where Jack Ong’aya thrived. Sofapaka’s wingers, Kuloba and Mwanzi, often tucked inside, further congesting the middle and exposing Tusker’s fullbacks defensively.Ong’aya Orchestrates from DeepJack Ong’aya was central to Sofapaka’s dominance. Operating in a free role, he constantly found and exploited pockets of space between Tusker’s lines.Lucas Maina donates Ksh100,000 Mozzart Bet Cup award to former team in KiberaHis vision, timing, and ball-carrying ability enabled him to link midfield and attack seamlessly.Ong’aya not only created overloads in central areas but also timed late runs into the box effectively, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist.Two of his goals came from inside the penalty area, showcasing his intelligent movement and awareness. It was his best performance of the season.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939837##Ong’aya was instrumental in initiating build-up phases and supporting transitions. His close control allowed him to retain possession under pressure, and he often acted as the release valve when Sofapaka faced Tusker’s press.His positioning drew defenders, opening lanes for runners like Kipkemoi and Otieno to exploit.First-Half DominanceAll four of Sofapaka’s first-half goals stemmed from their superior tactical execution. In the opening goal, Mwanzi’s aggressive inward dribble from the left-back position disrupted Tusker’s shape.AFCON breakout star yet to receive offers despite goal-scoring form displayed in EgyptHe found Otieno, whose one-touch pass to Ong’aya created time and space. Kipkemoi dropped into midfield, drawing Onchwari out of position, before bursting into the space behind him.Ong’aya’s through ball split the defense, and Omondi converted from the ensuing cross—an example of timing, spacing, and coordination in attacking build-up.Sofapaka also excelled out of possession. They pressed Tusker man-for-man during goal kicks and build-up sequences. The second goal came from such pressure, with Ong’aya forcing an error from Iguma and Kuloba harassing Mainge into a back pass.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939828##Onchwari’s attempt to bypass the press with a long ball was intercepted by Mwanzi. From the turnover, Kipkemoi and Wayne Otieno combined cleverly, ending in a fine finish by the latter to double the lead.Adjustments and Second-Half ReactionsWith Tusker trailing 4-0 at halftime, Okere made three substitutions: Simiyu, Kaddu, and Namanda were withdrawn for Odoyo, Kibwage, and Onyango. Tusker shifted to a 3-5-2 system in a bid to mirror Sofapaka’s midfield numbers and attack the wide areas where Sofapaka had shown vulnerability.Kibwage, Momanyi, and Onchwari formed a back three, while Balecho and Mainge operated as wingbacks. Erambo joined Odoyo and Iguma in a compact midfield trio, while Onyango partnered Ojok upfront.New venue for CAF Confederation Cup final between Simba and RS BerkaneTusker aimed to attack Sofapaka’s exposed fullbacks—an area previously neglected due to the wingers’ inward movements.While the formation shift helped Tusker gain some control, it was only temporary. Sofapaka continued to punish Tusker on transitions. Kipkemoi won a penalty after Iguma lost the ball under pressure, converting it himself for 5-0.Tusker managed a consolation goal when Balecho broke down the right and delivered a dangerous ball into the box. In trying to intercept, Sofapaka turned it into their own net. But the goal did little to stem the bleeding, as Sofapaka continued to pile on the pressure.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939805##Akwana’s Tactical MasterclassThis result was not just about poor defending from Tusker—it was a tactical victory earned through discipline, preparation, and execution. Akwana’s strategy to dominate central areas, press high, and exploit positional weaknesses in Tusker’s setup was carried out with precision.His decision to use fullbacks as auxiliary midfielders and allow players like Ong’aya the freedom to roam was crucial in disorganising Tusker’s defensive shape.Sofapaka’s man-to-man pressing disrupted Tusker’s rhythm early, and their vertical passing sequences, involving clever movement from the front line and midfield, cut through Tusker’s defense repeatedly.Two Kenyan referees appointed to officiate in CAF Champions League finalEzekiel Akwana deserves full credit for masterminding one of the most dominant wins of the FKF Premier League season. His side played with structure, intelligence, and hunger. Jack Ong’aya’s performance was central to the win, but it was the collective coordination and tactical clarity that made the difference.By targeting Tusker’s midfield, creating central overloads, and exploiting pockets of space, Sofapaka exposed every crack in the Brewers’ setup. The result serves as a warning to the rest of the league—and a reminder that on their day, Sofapaka can be devastating.As for Tusker, the result leaves them with much to reflect upon, not just in terms of effort but in structural balance and mental fortitude. Their title hopes may be all but over, while Sofapaka can look forward with confidence after a commanding tactical and psychological victory.
