In a decisive league encounter at Tena Grounds in Nairobi on 5th March 2025, VVIP FC showcased their dominance with a commanding 4-1 victory over HOPE Sportiff FC. The match kicked off at 4:30 pm, with an attendance of 100 spectators witnessing a display of clinical finishing and tactical prowess from the visitors.
HOPE Sportiff FC lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking fluidity. Jean-Claude Kika occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four comprising Oscar on the right, Morris John and George Karanja as central defenders, and Michael Githaiga on the left. Derrick Onsongo played as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. Ahead of him, Prince and Emanuel Owino operated as right and left attacking midfielders respectively, while Bryce Njama, Luis Nito, and Owen Munguti formed the forward line, with Nito positioned centrally as the striker. The substitutes available for HOPE Sportiff included Edson Gwabi, Wayne Karonji, Benson Kimani, and James Onyango.
The match began with both teams testing each other, but it was VVIP FC who struck first in the 25th minute. A defensive mistake from HOPE Sportiff allowed VVIP to capitalise, with the goal scored from close range using the right foot. The visitors doubled their lead in the 34th minute when a well-placed left-footed shot found the back of the net from inside the box, leaving Kika with little chance to respond.
Desperate to change the tide, HOPE Sportiff made an early substitution in the 36th minute, bringing on Edson Gwabi for Owen Munguti. However, VVIP FC continued to apply pressure and extended their lead further in the 41st minute. A goalmouth scramble resulted in a close-range header that put HOPE Sportiff in a precarious position as they headed into half-time trailing 3-0.
The second half saw HOPE Sportiff attempt to regroup, but their efforts were hampered when Edson Gwabi received a yellow card for serious foul play in the 58th minute. Just a minute later, VVIP FC struck again, this time with a diving header from close range that left the scoreline at 4-0.
In a tactical response, HOPE Sportiff made a triple substitution in the 64th minute, introducing Wayne Karonji for Bryce Njama, Benson Kimani for Manuel Digollo, and James Onyango for Michael Githaiga. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the side, and as the match progressed, they began to find their rhythm.
The breakthrough for HOPE Sportiff finally came in the 88th minute when Luis Nito scored a well-deserved goal, converting from close range after receiving a short pass from Edson Gwabi. Although the goal provided a glimmer of hope, it was too little, too late as the match concluded with a final score of 4-1 in favour of VVIP FC.
Despite the defeat, Nito's performance stood out, earning him the accolade of Player of the Match. HOPE Sportiff FC will need to regroup and reflect on their defensive lapses as they look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
