In a captivating friendly match held at Nairobi on 12 October 2024, Maendeleo FC and Apostolic FC played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw. The contest, which kicked off at 12:00 pm, showcased a flurry of attacking football, with both teams displaying their prowess in front of a modest crowd of 300 spectators.
Maendeleo FC lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Silas took his position as the goalkeeper, shielded by a trio of defenders: Imolnelson on the right, CJ in the centre, and E.mcuba on the left. The midfield was packed with Daddy and Lefty operating on the right and left flanks respectively, while Alvin, Kingpin Moses, and S.Brown controlled the central area. Up front, Seti and Sia Perry formed a dynamic partnership, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from their opponents.
The substitutes for Maendeleo FC included Kelly, Iann, and A. Derrick, who would later be called upon to influence the game as it progressed.
The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was Seti who had the first significant opportunity. Unfortunately, his penalty attempt in the 25th minute struck the post, leaving Maendeleo FC frustrated. However, just seven minutes later, Seti redeemed himself by scoring the opening goal, converting a short pass from Sia Perry inside the box with his left foot, sending the Maendeleo fans into raptures.
As the first half approached its conclusion, E.mcuba received a yellow card in the 36th minute for a bad tackle, a decision that would weigh on his mind as the game continued. Apostolic FC responded just before half-time, equalising in the 39th minute with a well-executed set piece from long range, struck with the right foot, leaving Silas with no chance.
The teams went into the break level at 1-1, but the second half promised more excitement. Maendeleo FC came out with renewed vigour, and in the 56th minute, Seti scored his second goal of the match, finishing from close range after a clever assist from Kingpin Moses.
The momentum continued to swing in Maendeleo's favour as Imolnelson added a third goal in the 65th minute, tapping in from close range following a flick from Sia Perry, putting Maendeleo FC 3-1 ahead and seemingly in control of the match.
However, Apostolic FC was not done yet. They pulled one back in the 78th minute with another set piece, this time from outside the box, which found the back of the net with a precise right-footed strike. The score was now 3-2, and the tension in the stadium was palpable.
In a tactical move, Maendeleo FC made their first substitution in the 77th minute, bringing on Kelly for Lefty. Shortly after, Iann replaced Kingpin Moses in the 80th minute, as the team sought to maintain their lead. However, Apostolic FC continued to press and, in the 85th minute, they completed their comeback with a goalmouth scramble that resulted in the equaliser, leaving the score at 3-3.
With the match drawing to a close, Maendeleo FC made their final substitution, introducing A. Derrick for Imolnelson in the 83rd minute. Despite both teams pushing for a winner, the match ended in a thrilling draw, showcasing the resilience and attacking flair of both sides. The referee's performance was commendable, contributing to an engaging spectacle that will be remembered by the players and fans alike.
