TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Defensive struggles at play as City Stars host Sharks
Reading Time: 5min | Fri. 28.03.25. | 22:00
Kariobangi Sharks will be hoping to build on their result against Mathare United when they face Nairobi City Stars this Saturday
Kariobangi Sharks breathed a huge sigh of relief when they came from behind to beat Mathare United 3-1 in an FKF Premier League Round 22 fixture.
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Coming into that match, William Muluya's charges had gone over four months without a league win, leaving them in a desperate fight for survival. Injuries and the departure of key players further worsened their struggles.
Their top scorer, Ally Salum, has been plagued by injuries this season and missed the last match. Biron Otieno has also been a long-term absentee, while Ian Taifa remains sidelined.
Keith Imbali was out for over two months and, upon returning, was lured away by Shabana FC. Additionally, Paul Jawa left for greener pastures in France, and Fredrick Alushula opted not to renew his contract, instead moving to AFC Leopards.
A lack of consistency in personnel has disrupted the team’s momentum, affecting the fluidity of their system, which thrives on strong player relationships on the pitch.
However, Kariobangi Sharks will be hoping to build on their result against Mathare United when they face Nairobi City Stars this Saturday at the Kenyatta Stadium at 1 pm.
Head-to-Head and Stakes
Nairobi City Stars have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning four of the last ten encounters, including friendly matches. Kariobangi Sharks have won three, while the remaining three matches ended in draws.
Simba wa Nairobi are anchored to the foot of the FKF Premier League table with 22 points and are in desperate need of a win to climb out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Sharks will be eager to build on their recent victory and establish a winning streak.
The reverse fixture ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with Mohammed Bajaber and Brian Mzee scoring for City Stars, while Ghai Panchol and Andreas Odhiambo found the net for Kariobangi Sharks.
Tactical Approach: Kariobangi Sharks
Sharks are known for their fluid possession-based football, with their main attacking strategy being central penetration. In possession, one winger typically tucks into midfield, creating numerical superiority in central areas while allowing the fullback space to operate. This results in a box midfield, consisting of two central midfielders and two No. 10s.
However, in their last match, head coach William Muluya tweaked his in-possession structure to secure a much-needed result.
The tactical shift was evident in the lineup, as Muluya fielded two defensive midfielders—Biron Otieno and Jacob Otieno—rather than the usual setup, where Biron operates as the lone defensive midfielder alongside a central midfielder, typically Andreas Odhiambo.
This adjustment clearly prioritized midfield solidity over ball control, which was reflected in Sharks' reduced possession compared to their usual style.
This tactical shift is expected to persist in their upcoming game against Nairobi City Stars on Saturday.
Another notable change in the Mathare United game was the wingers maintaining width in possession, a departure from Muluya’s usual strategy of tucking one winger inside to form a box midfield.
Both Steven Mbulere and Leon Levitt stayed wide, stretching the pitch and providing more attacking freedom. This allowed Levitt—who is usually deployed as a fullback—to play higher up as a winger, without the defensive responsibilities he typically has.
The change paid off, with Levitt directly contributing to all three goals, while Mbulere also got on the scoresheet. This marked only the second time Sharks had scored three goals in a league match this season, demonstrating the effectiveness of the tactical tweak.
Sharks' build-up play remains a key feature of their approach, with center-backs splitting wide to facilitate progression from the back. The ball is then played into midfield, often targeting Biron, or alternatively, a long ball is directed towards a wide player.
Kevin Luke Otiala excels at executing these long passes with both feet, and this strategy is expected to be utilized to exploit City Stars’ attacking wingers, who often push forward and leave space behind.
Tactical Approach: Nairobi City Stars
City Stars head coach Salim Babu is a strong advocate of possession-based football, and he is unlikely to deviate from his philosophy against Kariobangi Sharks. His preferred setup is a 4-2-3-1 formation, which will likely remain unchanged in this fixture.
Babu prioritizes building from the back, starting with his center-backs, and relies on high-intensity wingers who can take on defenders and create chances. In this regard, Gilbert Abala will be a key player, as he excels in one-on-one situations and will be instrumental in breaking down the Sharks' defense.
Midfield control is also central to Babu’s tactical approach, which influenced his decision to bring in Kevin Juma following his release from Gor Mahia.
Juma is technically gifted and comfortable on the ball, making him a crucial component in City Stars' build-up play. His familiarity with Babu’s system, having worked together at Nzoia Sugar, further enhances his importance in the midfield.
If he starts, expect City Stars' progression to flow through him before reaching other midfielders and attackers.
Sven Yidah or Brian Mzee will also play a pivotal role, as their work rate and defensive attributes are crucial in linking the midfield with the attack.
Both players excel in breaking up play and are tenacious tacklers. Recently, Babu has paired Mzee alongside either Yidah or Juma, a setup that is likely to be retained for this fixture.
Parting Shot
Both teams come into this fixture with different motivations - City Stars are fighting for survival, while Kariobangi Sharks are looking to maintain their resurgence. Muluya’s recent tactical tweaks have given Sharks a more pragmatic edge, and it remains to be seen whether he will continue prioritizing defensive stability over control.
City Stars, on the other hand, will rely on their structured possession play and the creativity of players like Juma and Abala to break down Sharks' defense. However, their attacking wingers' tendency to push forward could leave them vulnerable to Sharks’ direct counter-attacking play.
With both sides desperate for points, this promises to be an intriguing tactical battle, where efficiency in front of goal and defensive discipline will likely determine the outcome.
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