Tactical Analysis on how Police Bullet's Resst Defense Halted Vihiga Queens Transitions

Kenya Police Bullets dominance over Vihiga Queens continued as the host failed to silence the league defending champions. Since renaming of the team from Thika Queens to Kenya Police Bullets last season, Boniface Nyamunyamu is yet to register a win over the league heavy weights.

In three matches against their rivals, Bullet's have emerged victorious twice, with one match ending in a draw. For this latest encounter, Emily Moranga frustrated her former employer with an early first half strike which was enough to seal the victory for Beldine Odemba's coached side. 

Let's delve into the tactical masterminds behind the scenes as we dissect the strategies employed by both managers in this match.

Boniface Nyamunyamuh set his side in a 4-2-1-3 formation that would turn into 4-4-2/1-4-4-3 while defending. However, there were some surprises in the host's line up as Providence Khasiala and Diana Cherono were deployed as right center back and right back respectively.

For her part, Beldine Odemba set her side in the similar formation, 4-2-1-3 that would turn into 4-1-2-3 formation in possession, with either Diana Wacera or Lydia Akoth, remaining in front of the midfield to protect their defense in an attempt to stop any transitions that may arise from host's attack.

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In possession, Police Bullets looked to restrict the movement of the fullbacks in Leah Andiema and Norah Anne to form a rest defense of four at the back. Beldine generally doesn't rely on her full-backs to contribute significantly to the attack, there were rare instances where they would overlap and join the offensive play.  Leah Andiema and Norah Anne form a rest defense with the other backs. 

This was pivotal in halting the Vihiga Queen's transition, which seemed to be a threat as it was a main attacking strategy for the host.

Lydia Akoth and Diana Wacera double pivot was instrumental in Beldines side. With her creativity, Lydia Akoth was tasked with the progression of the ball with an aim of creating chances. As the main orchestrator, she would drop deep in the first phase to aid in the build up by receiving the ball from the center backs before trying to find Either Emily Moranga or Puren Alukwe with a progressive pass. 

Diana Wacera positioning and aggressiveness was pivotal in stopping Vihiga Queens attack. With her interceptions, she was able to cut passing lanes for the host. According to the data collected by Tisini, she was the player with the most interceptions in the pitch, 5.

Vihiga Queens Long Balls

Due to aggressive approach in press from Bullet's side, Vihiga Queens were forced to play long from the goal kicks. In most instances, Providence Khasiala and Ruth Khasoha were seen splitting on either side of the goalkeeper but they did not succeed in building the play from the back. The press lead by Rebecca Okwaro, suffocated Vihiga Queens build up forcing them to play long to their wide players in Susan Malda or Eglan Mukhuwana. Jane Hato was tasked with ensuring Vihiga Queens creator in Martha Amanyolete action's to the ball were limited.

In settled play, Boniface Nyamunyamu side looked to have a 4-4-2 passive press that was easily bypassed by the neat combination of Lydia Akoth, Diana Wacera and Jane Hato. The passive press from the host also allowed the visitors to play comfortably from the back. Elizabeth Ochaka and Juliet Andibo received short goal kicks from Annedy Kundu before playing to either Norah Anne or Leah Andiema. 

In the final third, Vihiga Queens struggled to create chances. They relied heavily on runners, Susan Malda and Diana Cherono to progress the ball. However, Police Bullet's rest defense nullified their threat and their efforts turned out to be futile. With Police Bullets wingers staying wide, Diana Cherono and Muyoka, Vihiga Queens fullbacks were restricted in overlapping. 

Emily Moranga and Puren Alukwe seemed to create separation through beating their markers in 1v1 situations. They achieved this through exploiting the spaces vacated by the Vihiga Queens fullbacks who were easily gravitated to the ball when committing themselves in press.

The game eventually ended with only the one goal score by police. Following a slow beginning to the season, Police Bullets seem to be gaining momentum. Their impressive victory against the team with four league titles to their name demonstrates their unwavering commitment to retaining the championship.