TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Bungoma Superstars came from behind to hold Transfoc
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 09.04.25. | 15:06
Bungoma’s approach was built around direct play, whileTransfoc stuck to their 4-4-2 diamond and effectively used inside-out runs by the strikers to stretch the opponent's shape
On a lively afternoon at Bungoma High School Grounds, Bungoma Superstars hosted Transfoc FC in a highly anticipated FKF Division One Zone B round 24 encounter.
The stakes were high for the hosts. A win would have seen Bungoma temporarily leap to third place on the log, with Compel FC, Nakuru Bucks, and GFE 105 yet to play their fixtures.
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With that motivation, they started brightly—but despite dominating large parts of the game, they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
*A Game of Tactical Nuance*
While both goals were registered in the first half, it was the tactical ingenuity of Bungoma Superstars' coach Ibrahim Shikanda that caught the eye. His dynamic adjustments gave his side the edge in gameplay, though a lack of cutting edge in the final third cost them maximum points.
Bungoma set up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 system. Walubuka Andrew donned the gloves, with Mukhwana Boniface and Mbaja Victor flanking the backline as fullbacks. Barasa Boniface and Keya Brian formed the central defensive partnership.
In midfield, Christopher Situma and Wafula Emmanuel anchored the double pivot while Ian Nyongesa operated just ahead of them in the creative role. Simiyu Oscar and Waswa Samuel provided width, and Juma Jeremy spearheaded the attack.
Transfoc, on the other hand, took a slightly different approach with a 4-4-2 diamond formation. James Wangila was between the sticks, with William Witambo and Roxion Simiyu as fullbacks. Samuel Wanjala and Reagan Wamalwa formed the heart of the defense. Stephen Munika anchored midfield, flanked by Athman Shungu and Collins Mwalati. Kelvin Simiyu slotted in behind the strike duo of Dennis Simiyu and Kennedy Wamalale.
The Bungoma Game Plan
Bungoma’s approach was built around direct play, launching long balls toward the physical Juma Jeremy, who proved a handful for Wamalwa and Wanjala. His strength allowed him to hold up play and bring his teammates into attacking positions.
When possession was settled, Bungoma looked to exploit the flanks, working the ball through midfield before switching wide to create one-on-one opportunities. Nyongesa was pivotal in this transition phase, making diagonal runs into the channels to create overloads, particularly combining effectively with Waswa in the first half.
However, many of their promising moves fizzled out due to a lack of quality in the final pass.
A standout tactical ploy by coach Shikanda was the use of rotational forwards. Waswa, Nyongesa, Juma, and Wamalwa frequently switched positions, causing confusion in the Transfoc defense. Additionally, Bungoma fluidly shifted between a 4-4-2 and 4-5-1 during the match, opening spaces in the final third, although their finishing let them down.
Defensively, Bungoma retained a 4-4-2 shape, occasionally pressing high in man-to-man sequences to disrupt Transfoc’s buildup.
Transfoc’s Response
Transfoc stuck to their 4-4-2 diamond and effectively used inside-out runs by the strikers to stretch Bungoma's shape. One forward would often drop into midfield, creating a numerical advantage (5v4) that allowed them smoother ball progression.
Defensively, they sat in a mid-block 4-4-2, alternating with a high pressing man-to-man system to challenge Bungoma’s transitions.
Neither team managed to score from open play, with both goals coming from set-piece rebounds—a reflection of the defensive frailties both teams showed in dealing with aerial balls.
Second Half Surge and Tactical Tweaks
Bungoma Superstars were dominant in the second half, utilizing diagonal switches and balls in behind the Transfoc backline. The visitors’ defense was visibly unsettled, prompting a critical tactical adjustment from the Transfoc bench.
Coach withdrew goalscorer Athman Shungu and introduced central defender David Waswa. This change saw the team shift to a back three, with Waswa joining the central defense while the fullbacks pushed higher to act as wingers.
The midfield and attack remained unchanged. This reorganization helped Transfoc absorb the mounting pressure and ultimately secure a hard-fought point away from home.
Final Standings
Following the draw, Transfoc remain in 12th position with 20 points, while Bungoma Superstars are seventh with 36 points. For Bungoma, it was a case of dominance without reward—while Transfoc can take heart in their resilience and tactical adaptability on the road.
