ROVA FC faced Toronto FC in a closely contested friendly match at the Kiambio Grounds on 15 December 2024, with the visitors edging the encounter 4-3. The match kicked off at 2:00 pm, showcasing a thrilling display of attacking football from both sides.
ROVA FC lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Ongweno Ongweno took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Reagan Oduor and Ochieng Left as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Dancun Otieno and Wilson Wilson forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, John Left and Mose Mose operated as central midfielders, tasked with linking play and supporting the attack, while Oliver XX played as the attacking midfielder, positioned to exploit spaces between the lines. Up front, Gloven Adeya and James Left occupied the right and left forward positions, with Ismael Ismael leading the line as the central striker. The substitutes available for ROVA FC included Allan Mane, Danni Danni, Shaddy Gerishon, Alex Wambua, Enzo Hillary, and Nicholas Nicholas.
The match began with both teams probing for openings, but it was ROVA FC who struck first in the 21st minute when Ongweno Ongweno converted a penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give his side an early lead. The goal injected confidence into ROVA FC, who continued to press forward, looking to extend their advantage.
As the first half progressed, ROVA FC maintained their lead, and the teams went into the break with the scoreline at 1-0. The second half saw ROVA FC make a tactical substitution, bringing on Allan Mane for James Left as they sought to bolster their attacking options.
The game took a turn in the 52nd minute when Mose Mose doubled ROVA FC's lead, finishing off a well-worked team move with a precise right-footed shot, assisted by John Left's clever flick. However, Toronto FC responded swiftly, pulling one back in the 60th minute through a goalmouth scramble that left ROVA FC's defence exposed.
In an effort to regain control, ROVA FC made further substitutions in the 65th minute, introducing Danni Danni for Oliver XX and Shaddy Gerishon for Gloven Adeya. The changes seemed to invigorate the side, and in the 70th minute, Ismael Ismael restored ROVA FC's two-goal cushion, finishing a slick move with a right-footed shot after receiving a short pass from Shaddy Gerishon.
Yet, Toronto FC was not to be outdone, as they were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute, which they converted to narrow the deficit to 3-2. ROVA FC made another substitution shortly after, with Alex Wambua replacing Ismael Ismael in the 76th minute, while Enzo Hillary came on for Wilson Wilson due to injury.
As the match entered its final stages, Toronto FC continued to apply pressure and equalised in the 84th minute with a well-executed team move, showcasing their attacking prowess. ROVA FC's defensive frailties were further exposed when, in the dying moments of the match, Toronto FC scored a stunning solo goal in the 89th minute, sealing a dramatic comeback and handing ROVA FC a disappointing defeat.
In the closing moments, ROVA FC made their final substitution, with Nicholas Nicholas coming on for Ochieng Left in the 86th minute due to injury, but it was too late to alter the outcome. Despite a spirited performance, ROVA FC fell short, leaving the pitch with a sense of what might have been in a match that will linger in the memory for its excitement and intensity.
