Quick Tactical Look
Tusker 0 - 0 Mathare United - Sportpesa League MD3(01/10/2025)
Team Setups & Formations
Tusker FC lined up in a flexible 4-4-1-1 formation that occasionally shifted into variations like 4-4-2, 4-5-1, or 4-2-3-1 depending on the game phase. Their setup featured Brian Opondo in goal, a back four of Collins Odhiambo, Charles Momanyi, Francis Oduor, and Dennis Wanjala, with Ronny Otieno and Curtsi Wekesa operating on the flanks in midfield. Dennis Iguma and Issa Lumumba held central roles, while Fabian Adikiny supported striker Eric Kapaito in attack.
Mathare United started in a 4-3-3 but displayed tactical fluidity, transitioning into 3-4-3, 3-2-5, shapes in possession, and dropping into a 4-1-4-1/5-3-2 out of possession. Kevin Ouru was in goal, supported by a back line including Sammy Imbuye, Jnr Nyawir, Ian Omondi, and Francis Kayugi. Brian Ochieng and Mohammed Kilume anchored midfield, with Brian Ouru ahead of them as the playmaker. The forward line featured Paul Kinyanjui on the right, Glen Odhiambo on the left, and Elli Asieche leading the attack.
1st half:
The first half between Tusker FC and Mathare United ended in a goalless draw, but it was far from a dull affair. Both teams showed positive intent, with Tusker creating three notable chances and Mathare responding with twice. Tusker came out stronger in the early stages, pushing forward with energy and almost taking the lead through a free header from a corner by Momanyi that went wide after Kayugi lost track of him, and a low shot from Eric Kapaito that struck the post. These moments suggested that Tusker, despite struggling for goals this season, are capable of generating quality scoring opportunities.
Tusker’s approach in the first half was marked by a reliance on long balls, often forced due to Mathare’s high and aggressive pressing strategy. Mathare deployed a proactive pressing system, going man-for-man in many situations, which made it difficult for Tusker’s backline to build from the back. As a result, the team resorted to targeting striker Eric Kapaito with direct balls, hoping he could win aerial duels and hold up play for onrushing teammates such as Fabian Adikiny. However, this approach was largely neutralized by Mathare defender Francis Kayugi, who read the long balls well, dominated aerially, and forced Kapaito into wider areas, limiting his ability to threaten goal directly.
Mathare, meanwhile, gradually imposed their tactical identity as the half progressed.In possession they morphed into a more fluid shape that resembled a 3-4-3/3-2-5, depending on the phase of play. One of the central midfield pivots - often Brian Ochieng - would drop into the back line to form a temporary back three, allowing both fullbacks, especially Imbuye on the right, to push high and create width. This setup helped Mathare stretch Tusker horizontally, while their attackers’ positional rotations added to the complexity of their attacking structure.
On the right flank, Mathare found a consistent outlet for their offensive movements. Kinyanjui Paul, playing as the right winger, frequently received the ball wide before tucking inside as an inverted forward. His movements opened up space for right-back Imbuye to overlap and get involved in the final third, combining with teammates and delivering balls into the box. These attacking moves were made even more dangerous by the fluid interchange among the front three - Elli Asieche occasionally dropped into midfield to link play, while Brian Ouru roamed intelligently as a central creative outlet. These rotations disrupted Tusker’s defensive organization, pulling defenders out of position and creating channels for third-man runs.
Defensively, Mathare transitioned smoothly between different shapes out of possession. They maintained a 4-1-4-1 mid-block when not pressing, but also dropped into a deeper 4-4-2 or even a 5-3-2 block when protecting their defensive third. This flexibility allowed them to stay compact while still engaging Tusker higher up the pitch when opportunities arose. The effectiveness of their press was evident in how Tusker were repeatedly forced into rushed clearances or low-percentage long balls, cutting off any sustained attacking rhythm.
Overall, the first half showcased two teams with differing tactical approaches - Tusker looking for quick transitions and direct play through their striker, and Mathare preferring controlled buildup and positional overloads. Despite the lack of goals, it was a first half rich in tactical nuances and structural battles across the pitch.
2nd half:
In the second half, Mathare United made three direct substitutions aimed at injecting fresh energy and managing player fatigue. John Macharia replaced Glen Odhiambo on the left flank, Herit Mungai came on for Brian Ouru to add legs in midfield, and Dennis Okoth was introduced in place of Elli Asieche to lead the line. Mathare continued to show tactical intent, notably by holding a high defensive line to neutralize Tusker’s key forward threat, Eric Kapaito. This approach forced Kapaito into mistimed runs and several offside calls before he was eventually substituted due to injury, with David Polepole coming on as his replacement.
Tusker, when out of possession, maintained a 4-1-4-1/4-4-2 defensive shape but struggled to create quality chances. While they earned a few free kicks in dangerous areas and delivered corners effectively, they were unable to capitalize, with Mathare’s hybrid marking system holding firm.
A persistent issue for Tusker was the clear disconnect between their midfield and attacking players, with large gaps forming between the lines. As a result, their forwards were often isolated, and midfielders failed to make forward runs to support attacking phases. This allowed Mathare to dominate central areas through their technical midfielders, recycle possession, and control the tempo for large spells.
Despite both sides having a few half-chances, neither managed to replicate the quality of opportunities seen in the first half, and the match ended in a goalless draw. Tusker, though still struggling for goals, at least registered their first point of the season.
Tusker FC’s performance highlights the need for more time on the training ground to build chemistry and establish fluid attacking combinations, especially with several new players still settling into the team. Improving build-up play will be crucial, and this can be achieved through better defensive cohesion, clearer roles, and perhaps a more consistent starting XI to foster familiarity. The team must also work to involve their creative players more frequently in possession, allowing them the freedom to dictate play and unlock defenses. Additionally, encouraging advanced runs from midfielders and greater involvement of overlapping fullbacks will help reduce the isolation of the striker and provide more attacking variety. A more structured and deliberate approach to progressing the ball from the back will be key if Tusker are to turn their attacking promise into tangible results.
Jerome Onyain [recruitment/performance analyst]
Contact; onyainjerome2020@gmail.com for all football work or enquiries.