TACTICAL ANALYSIS ON HOW BUTERE BOYS EXPLOITED MUSINGU'S SCHOOL'S POOR REST DEFENCE

Butere Boys “The Exodus” served the “Scorpions” of Musingu High with a sweet revenge in a thrilling encounter at a fully packed Bukhungu Stadium. The last time the two schools faced each other was in the Kakamega County KSSA games, where the Scorpions of Musingu High humiliated Butere Boys 2-0 to claim the county championship. The win has boosted Butere Boys' quest for FEASSA glory, as they are second-placed with 5 points.

It was a close contest that was decided by a fine margin, with tactical switches from the two managers on the touchline. Paul Okwata, Kakamega Homeboyz assistant coach, led his former school on the touchline, while the veteran Brendan Mwinamo, a veteran in secondary school games, led the Scorpions of Musingu High.

How The Boys on a Football Exodus Run Rings Around the Scorpion’s Sting?

In a 4-2-1-3 formation, Brendan Mwinamo made 5 changes from the squad that started in the first match against Tanzanian side Kizuka. 

Boaz Mushira was between the posts, Ian Sifuna in the right back position, and Oluoch Robinson replaced Benson Shikutwa in the left back position. Anan Okumu and Abu Swaleh partnered at the heart of the defence as Houstin Oluoch and Oduor Lewis controlled the midfield in the double pivot midfield, with Kelvin Mukaramoja playing at the tip of the double pivot. 

Muhambe Alex and Amalemba Harrison occupied the wide areas as the versatile Marvin Ashiundu played as a forward.

Paul Okawata's Butere countered his opposition with a 1-3-5-2 formation. Daniel Masakhwe was tasked to man the goal as Collins Luvisia and Meki Dancan played as wingbacks. In a 3-man defence, Ferdinand Isaac, Wafula Trevor, and Felix Ochieng formed a compact backline. 

Igwee Bonphas, Jafred Bukayi, and Silas Okumu formed a three-man midfield. Skipper Dennis Kikwaye and Fredrick Oyonje played as forwards.

The Exodus relied on short passing to progress the ball. From goalkicks, Butere Boys played short to the CBs; three CBs were heavily relied on to progress the ball. However, Felix Ochieng stepped out of the box to allow the two CBs to play to the wingbacks.

Musingu's high press was passive, as they opted to drop their defence line deep in an attempt to win long balls played to Butere Boys forwards.

In the first half, Butere Boys mainly initiated their attacks from the right-hand side. They aimed at exploiting Oluoch Robinson's weakness in 1v1 defending. However, in the second half, Mwinamo made a change and brought in Benson Shikutwa to halt Butere Boys' attacks from the right-hand side.

Musingu’s Rest Defence

In possession, Musingu School looked at progressing the ball with a 1-2-4-4 formation with fullbacks overlapping and stepping high on the same line with midfielders. Houstin Oluoch and Oduor Lewis were the masterminds of the team on the ball. Their technicality allowed them to pick teammates with the right pass.

In the second half, Ronny Ochieng “Omwami”, a volume passer, replaced Oduor Lewis as Mwinamo aimed at his side, creating more chances from deep and keeping the ball.

Musingu's School's 1-2-4-4 rest defence was a recipe for their defeat, as it was easily exploited by Butere Boys. With the fullbacks overlapping and one of the double pivot midfielders, more so Oduor Lewis, stepping high up the pitch, their out-of-possession structure was vulnerable.

Butere Boy's solo goal resulted from it. Houstin Oluoch's pass was cut by Dennis Kikwaye, who laid it to Bukeyi. Abu Swaleh and Anan Okumu being far apart gave Bukeyi time on the ball as he carried the ball in the box before slotting it home past Boaz Mushira.

Out of possession, Butere Boys defended with a low block 1-5-3-2 formation that was a hard nut for Musingu to crack. Musingu's strategy for playing long balls to their target man, Marvin Ashiundu, didn't materialise

Butere defenders won most of the aerial duels, leaving Ashiundu isolated and starving for the ball.

Frustrated by their lack of progress, the Scorpions switched their tactics to focus on wing play. They aimed to create overloads on the attack with Marvin Ashiundu dropping back into the midfield. 

The new strategy aimed to create space for Mukaramoja or Houstine to exploit.

However, in the end, Butere Boys' compact low block defense completely neutralised Musingu's offense. It was highly effective at shutting down the high-scoring Scorpions' forward line.

Feature Image Credit: Festus Junior