In a closely contested league away match held at Kapsabet on 6th October 2024, KABIYET RANGERS Fc faced off against Koitalel Samoei University, ultimately succumbing to a narrow defeat with a final score of 1-0. The match kicked off at 2:00 pm and saw a spirited performance from both sides, but it was the opponents who found the crucial goal to secure the victory.
KABIYET RANGERS adopted a 4-4-2 formation, which is a classic setup that emphasises a solid defensive structure while allowing for width in attack. The team featured Wilfred Kiptoo in goal, with a back four comprising Edwin Lamai and Clinton as the right and left defenders, respectively, while Lewis Owino and Kibet Vinnie occupied the central defensive roles. In midfield, Abel Kim and Ngungu operated on the right and left flanks, while Msamil Musa and Manu Kigen formed the central partnership. Up front, Fazul Kip and Kim Kimutai were tasked with leading the line as right and left forwards.
The substitutes for KABIYET RANGERS included AZAEL Aze and ISACK KIP, who would be called upon later in the match as the team sought to change the course of the game.
The match began with an early defensive intervention from Kibet Vinnie, who made a crucial clearance in the 9th minute to prevent a chance for the opponents. However, moments later, Msamil Musa was flagged for offside due to a mistimed run, although the decision was deemed incorrect. KABIYET RANGERS began to find their rhythm, with Fazul Kip attempting a shot in the 12th minute that went wide, followed by Msamil Musa's effort in the 16th minute, which failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
Defensively, Edwin Lamai stepped up in the 19th minute with another vital clearance, ensuring that the opponents could not capitalise on their attacking momentum. The 24th minute saw Kim Kimutai test the Koitalel Samoei University goalkeeper, but his shot was saved. Wilfred Kiptoo, the KABIYET RANGERS goalkeeper, showcased his skills shortly after, making a point-blank reaction save in the 25th minute to keep the score level.
As the first half progressed, Lewis Owino made a significant interception in the 26th minute, further solidifying the defensive efforts of KABIYET RANGERS. However, the match took a turn in the 33rd minute when Msamil Musa received a yellow card for a bad tackle, putting him on notice for the remainder of the match. Wilfred Kiptoo continued to be a standout performer, executing a punch in the 36th minute and a parry in the 38th minute to deny the opponents any clear chances.
Just before half-time, Lewis Owino made a key pass in the 39th minute, creating a chance for his teammates as the first half concluded with both teams still searching for the breakthrough.
The second half began with a substitution for KABIYET RANGERS, as AZAEL Aze replaced Ngungu in a tactical move. The match resumed with intensity, but the 55th minute saw another yellow card issued, although the recipient was not specified. The deadlock was finally broken in the 61st minute when the opponents scored from close range with a right-footed effort, putting KABIYET RANGERS on the back foot.
KABIYET RANGERS responded with determination, and Kibet Vinnie made another crucial defensive tackle in the 64th minute to prevent further damage. However, Edwin Lamai was penalised for a trip in the 66th minute, although no penalty was awarded. The match continued to be heated, with Fazul Kip receiving a yellow card in the 69th minute for offensive language, shortly before Wilfred Kiptoo made a full-stretch save to keep his side in the game.
Kim Kimutai had two attempts in the second half, one saved in the 74th minute and another in the 88th minute, but KABIYET RANGERS could not find the equaliser. In the 85th minute, ISACK KIP was brought on for AZAEL Aze due to injury, as KABIYET RANGERS pushed for a late comeback.
Despite their efforts, KABIYET RANGERS could not find the back of the net, and the match concluded with Koitalel Samoei University taking all three points. The performance of Wilfred Kiptoo and Msamil Musa stood out, earning them recognition as players of the match for their contributions throughout the encounter.
