In a tightly contested league encounter, Ayala Athletic FC emerged victorious against Steplink FC with a scoreline of 1-0 at the Nairobi West Prison on 16 March 2025. The match, which kicked off at 3:15pm, saw both teams battle fiercely, but it was Ayala who secured all three points with a second-half goal.
Ayala Athletic FC set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Edwin Kamonde took his position as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back four comprising Brian Muthini on the right, Joseph Muchela and Shadrack Mande in central defence, and Amos Kichia on the left. Eugene Ochieng played as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. Ahead of him, the midfield quartet featured Geoffrey Achira on the right, Edmond Obinda centrally, Giavira Bahati on the left, and Victor Wafula leading the line as the striker.
The substitutes for Ayala included Samuel Karanja, Josemanuel Kamau, Moses Kavete, Alvis Ngugi, and John Ngugi, who would later play crucial roles in the match.
The first half saw both teams probing for openings, but neither could find the back of the net. Ayala's defence held firm, with the central duo of Muchela and Mande effectively neutralising Steplink's attacking threats. As the half drew to a close, the score remained goalless, with both teams heading into the break looking for tactical adjustments.
The turning point came shortly after the restart when Ayala made a tactical substitution, bringing on Samuel Karanja for Brian Muthini. This change proved pivotal as Karanja quickly made his mark on the game. In the 54th minute, he found himself in the right place at the right time, scoring from close range with a well-placed left-footed shot inside the box, sending the Ayala supporters into raptures.
As the match progressed, Ayala continued to defend their slender lead while looking to extend it. Edwin Kamonde's 4th clean sheet of the season came under threat when Steplink were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute. It was a huge relief to see the powerful shot crush against the left upright much to the disillusionment of the Steplink crowd.
In the 88th minute, a series of substitutions were made to freshen up the team and maintain their advantage. Josemanuel Kamau replaced Eugene Ochieng, while Moses Kavete came on for Victor Wafula. Alvis Ngugi also entered the fray, taking over from Melton Odhiambo, and John Ngugi rounded off the changes by coming on for Amos Kichia.
Despite Steplink's attempts to find an equaliser, Ayala's defence remained resolute, with Kamonde in goal ensuring that no shots slipped past him. The final whistle confirmed Ayala Athletic FC's hard-fought victory, with Samuel Karanja's goal proving decisive. His performance earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, highlighting his impact after coming off the bench. The win not only boosts Ayala's league standing but also showcases their ability to adapt and seize opportunities when they arise.
