Tactical Analysis: Kariobangi Sharks vs Soy United – Preseason Elite Cup, Dandora
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Reading Time: 5min | Fri. 05.09.25. | 20:47
The match ended 2–0 in favor of the Sharks, but the flow of the game highlighted contrasting philosophies and the importance of tactical adjustments
The Elite Cup preseason clash between Kariobangi Sharks and Soy United in Dandora offered an intriguing tactical battle that unfolded in distinct phases.
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Sharks, with their emphasis on structured possession and positional play, faced a disciplined Soy United side that prioritized direct transitions and compact defensive organization.
The match ended 2–0 in favor of the Sharks, but the flow of the game highlighted contrasting philosophies and the importance of tactical adjustments.
First Half: controlled Sharks vs compact Soy
From the opening whistle, Kariobangi Sharks imposed themselves with a 3-2-5 structure in possession, pivot Jacob Alvaro dictating rhythm alongside fellow central midfielders.
The back three of Ghai Panchol, Ian Taifa Karani, and later Faiz Opande after the 12th minute injury substitution, patiently circulated the ball, drawing Soy into uncomfortable areas.
Soy United, in contrast, lined up in a 4-2-4 defensive block, opting for compactness in midfield and quick verticality upon regaining possession.
Their game plan was clear: withstand Sharks’ possession, then exploit the high defensive line through long balls and second-ball duels.
Missed passes from Sharks became Soy’s pressing trigger, but they rarely broke shape prematurely, preferring to absorb pressure and lure Sharks forward before going long.
By the 10th minute, Sharks’ patterns were evident.
Humphrey Aroko, operating in the right half-space, frequently dropped deep to link play with Alvaro and right wing-back Frankline Amollo.
The trio built clever triangles down the right, alternating between width and half-space occupation to keep Soy guessing.
Meanwhile, winger Wayne Mbuya stretched play on the left, becoming the primary outlet in 1v1 situations.
Soy had their first sniff of goal in the 15th minute, a quick transition resulting in a dangerous shot parried away for a corner.
Yet it was Sharks who carved the clearer openings:
Aroko threading a pass for Mbuya on 18 minutes, only for Soy’s goalkeeper to punch clear.
Sharks’ third-man combinations and line-breaking passes troubled Soy, but the visitors’ compactness denied clean central breakthroughs.
The 20–30 minute phase highlighted Sharks’ tactical discipline.
Their rest defense - Panchol and Karani behind Alvaro - snuffed out Soy’s direct counters, while central progressions disorganized Soy’s midfield pair, who struggled to maintain tight spacing.
Still, Soy’s 4-4-2 midblock absorbed pressure effectively, especially when Sharks funneled play wide, limiting their threat to crosses and cutbacks.
A key moment came on 31 minutes, with Sharks alternating their half-space and wing occupations on the right.
Aroko drifted central, while Amollo stretched wide to the right, creating unpredictability.
But Soy held firm, even after losing their striker to injury on 36 minutes. In fact, they nearly punished Sharks on 43 minutes with a quick switch to the wings, exploiting transitions brutally before halftime.
Despite Sharks dominating possession and territory, the first half ended goalless (0–0), Soy’s discipline cancelling out Sharks’ positional superiority.
Second Half: Sharks find solutions
The second half began with Soy slightly more aggressive.
Their 4-2-4 midblock tightened, with Humphrey Aroko man-marked in half-spaces to disrupt Sharks’ flow.
Sharks leaned heavily on the left flank, with Wayne Mbuya and Aroko combining to create overloads and crossing opportunities.
A short corner in the 49th minute failed to produce, but momentum remained with the Sharks.
By the hour mark, Sharks were firmly entrenched in Soy’s half.
Their 3-2-5 in possession continued to generate openings, Aroko dictating in the half-spaces.
Soy responded with four-man rest defenses to prevent quick Sharks counters, showing more intent in forcing turnovers and transitioning forward.
The breakthrough finally came in the 70th minute.
A neat central progression drew Soy defenders forward; Aroko found space between the lines and laid the ball off to Jahson Wakachala, who calmly slotted home.
It was a reward for Sharks’ patience and positional discipline: 1–0 Sharks.
Game-changing substitutions
With the lead secured, Sharks introduced fresh legs in the 75th minute:
Zablon Kutela, Victor Ngume, Timothy Ekhavi, Patilah Omotto, and the reliable striker Mark Vivian Kesa.
The changes injected new energy and attacking impetus, particularly with Victor Ngume occupying the left half-space as a constant target.
Veteran defender Kevin-Luke Otiala also marshaled the high line with authority, ensuring Soy’s direct approach rarely broke through.
Soy attempted to respond with faster transitions, but their shape stretched as they chased the equalizer.
Sharks cleverly exploited this by adopting direct ball layoffs - forwards dropping deep to drag defenders, then releasing wide runners into vacated space.
The interplay consistently disoriented Soy’s backline.
Decisive second goal
As the match ticked towards its conclusion, Sharks’ control grew.
They dominated possession, slowed tempo when needed, and lured Soy into pressing traps.
Then, in the 89th minute, they delivered the killer blow.
Once again, central progression drew Soy’s defense high.
Wakachala received between the lines and slipped a pass to substitute Mark Vivian Kesa.
With Soy’s goalkeeper caught out of position after a ricochet, Kesa pounced to score, sealing the game at 2–0.
Tactical lessons
Kariobangi Sharks showcased why they are evolving more into a possession-dominant side.
Their 3-2-5 in-possession structure, third-man combinations, and patient central progressions consistently stretched Soy United.
Humphrey Aroko’s role in half-spaces and Wayne Mbuya’s width on the left were crucial levers.
Substitutions further tilted the game in Sharks’ favor, with fresh legs maintaining tempo and ensuring the second goal.
Soy United, meanwhile, executed their plan well for large spells.
Their compact 4-2-4 midblock and direct transitional play frustrated Sharks for the entire first half.
Their discipline in not triggering pressure too early, instead waiting for wide play or misplaced passes, showed tactical maturity.
However, their inability to sustain transitions and midfield spacing issues ultimately cost them.
In the end, Sharks’ patience and structure triumphed, securing a 2–0 win that reflected their dominance in possession and tactical flexibility.
Soy, though beaten, demonstrated resilience and a dangerous transitional threat that could trouble opponents in the coming season.
Final Score: Kariobangi Sharks 2–0 Soy United
Scorers: Wakachala (70’), Mark Vivian Kesa (89’)
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