TACTICAL ANALYSIS : How Matano got the better of Muluya in KCB's win over Sharks
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Reading Time: 4min | Wed. 01.10.25. | 20:05
The Bankers’ use of wide players, aerial threat, and well-timed midfield runs gave them an edge that Sharks could not contain.
Kariobangi Sharks’ unbeaten start to the season came to a halt after a 1–0 defeat to KCB FC at the Kasarani Annex on Tuesday, 30 September.
Richard Omondi’s 36th-minute strike proved the difference as the Bankers bounced back from their loss to Mathare United at the same venue, while Sharks conceded their first goal and struggled once again in front of goal.
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Lineups and initial approaches
William Muluya retained his trusted 4-2-3-1 for Sharks.
Sebastian Wekesa started in goal behind a back four of; Steve Biko, Zablon Kutela, Ian Taifa, and Timothy Ekhavi.
Patillah Omoto and Andreas Odhiambo formed the double pivot, with Victor Ngume in the playmaker role.
Razel Omondi and Steve Mbulere started wide, supporting center forward Mark Vivian Kesa.
KCB, managed on the day by assistant coach Paul Ogai with Robert Matano absent for the first half, lined up in their typical 4-4-2.
Elvis Ochieng replaced Bonfas Munyasa in goal, Nashon Wekesa came in at right back,while Josephat Andafu kept his place at left back.
Amatton Samunya partnered Clyde Senaji in central defence.
Humphrey Mieno and Mathias Isogoli anchored midfield, with December Kisaka and Bonface Omondi wide.
Richard Omondi partnered Tedja Wanumbi in attack, with Kelvin Etemesi dropping to the bench.
Sharks’ build-up and KCB’s press
True to their philosophy, Sharks attempted to build from the back, splitting the centre-backs to receive from goalkeeper Wekesa.
Omoto and Odhiambo dropped deep to initiate progression through midfield.
However, KCB’s high pressing strategy disrupted this pattern.
Wanumbi and Richard Omondi aggressively closed down the centre-backs, while Mieno and Isogoli pressed Omoto and Odhiambo, cutting off passing lanes.
This denied Sharks' rhythm in possession and prevented them from advancing with control.
To adapt, Sharks occasionally tried to overload central areas by tucking Razel Omondi inside, creating a box midfield with Omoto and Odhiambo as the base and Ngume plus Razel acting as dual advanced playmakers.
Yet, the Bankers countered this by having Boniface Omondi track inside, nullifying Sharks’ numerical advantage.
KCB’s wing threat and aerial dominance
KCB’s clearest route to goal came from wide play, with Kisaka and Omondi stretching the pitch, the Bankers targeted aerial deliveries toward Wanumbi, Richard Omondi, and Mieno's late runs.
They specifically exploited Kutela’s lack of height at left back.
KCB frequently swung crosses toward the back post, where Mieno timed his movements to attack mismatches against Kutela.
When Mieno advanced into the box, Omondi drifted infield, ensuring balance in midfield.
The winning goal encapsulated this strategy. Omondi carried the ball centrally before releasing Kisaka wide.
Kisaka’s back-post cross found Mieno, who chested down for Richard Omondi to volley home.
This sequence combined KCB’s midfield overload, wing threat, and aerial superiority.
Second-half adjustments
At the break, Sharks introduced Wayne Mbuya for the ineffective Mbulere.
Despite the change, Sharks persisted with their structured build-up, but KCB adjusted by retreating into a mid-block.
Instead of pressing the centre-backs directly, they allowed possession at the back and sprang pressure once the ball entered midfield zones.
Ogai made his first substitution early in the second half, replacing Kisaka with Tyrone Kariuki.
Unlike Kisaka, Kariuki drifted inside, effectively forming a five-man midfield with Omondi, Isogoli, Mieno, and a striker who occasionally dropped deep.
This 5v4 clogged central areas and made it even harder for Sharks to find spaces.
By the 65th minute, Ogai refreshed his team with a triple change: Dennis Maruti, Stephen Etyang, and Philemon Nyakwaka came on for Isogoli, Bonface Omondi, and Wanumbi.
Maruti added defensive solidity, Etyang offered pace in transitions, and Nyakwaka maintained the threat upfront.
KCB increasingly threatened on the counter while holding their compact structure.
Muluya responded ten minutes later with his own triple change.
Wayne Dalvine Otieno, Jacob Onyango, and Jahson Wakachala replaced Mbuya, Kesa, and Razel Omondi.
The reshuffle saw Onyango join Omoto in midfield and Andreas Odhiambo move out wide.
Despite the tactical tweaks, Sharks lacked penetration in the final third and failed to carve out clear chances.
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Why KCB triumphed
This match showcased a classic duel of philosophies.
Sharks tried to impose their possession-heavy build-up game, but KCB’s pressing and mid-block adaptability stifled their rhythm.
The Bankers’ use of wide players, aerial threat, and well-timed midfield runs gave them an edge that Sharks could not contain.
In the end, KCB’s tactical balance between defensive discipline and wing-focused attack defined the contest, while Sharks’ inability to convert possession into clear chances condemned them to their first loss of the season.
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