RWAFA Football Club faced off against Amsterdam FC in a closely contested friendly match at the Ukunda Showground on 10 October 2024, with both teams finishing the game with a scoreline of 1-1. The match kicked off at 3:40 pm, showcasing a blend of tactical prowess and individual brilliance from both sides.
RWAFA adopted a 4-3-3 formation, which allowed for a dynamic approach to both attack and defence. In goal, Hassan Shee provided a solid last line of defence, while Ali Koi and Awali Dzengo occupied the right and left defensive flanks respectively. Central defenders Hamidu Tabwara and Hassan Ganzori formed a robust partnership at the heart of the defence. The midfield trio consisted of Masudi Bokoko on the right, Ashraf Gomba in the centre, and Abdillah Mwakombo on the left, tasked with linking play and supporting the forwards. Up front, Hamisi Swaleh (Cheupe) and Mwinyi Cheupe operated as right and left forwards, flanking the central striker Yassir Ngare, who was expected to spearhead the attack.
The substitutes for RWAFA included Shabani Mwachozi, Hamisi Mwafedha, Mohammed Ghazal, Salim Makame, Abdulkarim Mwendo, Juma Adam, and Hassan Zumo, providing depth and options for tactical changes as the match progressed.
The match began with a shocking turn of events as Amsterdam FC took an early lead in the fifth minute. A defensive mistake from RWAFA allowed an opponent to capitalise from close range, slotting the ball home with a right-footed finish. This early setback forced RWAFA to regroup and refocus their efforts.
As the first half unfolded, RWAFA struggled to find their rhythm, trailing 1-0 at the interval. The players returned for the second half with renewed determination, and the tactical adjustments made by the coaching staff began to take effect.
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions aimed at injecting fresh energy into the team. Shabani Mwachozi replaced Masudi Bokoko in the 50th minute, followed closely by Hamisi Mwafedha coming on for Ashraf Gomba and Mohammed Ghazal taking over from Ali Koi, both in the 51st minute. Salim Makame then entered the fray, replacing Awali Dzengo in the 52nd minute, and Abdulkarim Mwendo came on for Mwinyi Cheupe in the 53rd minute. These changes were pivotal as RWAFA sought to turn the tide.
The breakthrough finally came in the 56th minute when Mohammed Ghazal stepped up to take a penalty after a foul in the box. With composure, he dispatched the ball into the net with his right foot, bringing RWAFA level at 1-1 and igniting hopes of a comeback.
As the match progressed, RWAFA continued to press for a winner, with Juma Adam replacing Yassir Ngare in the 63rd minute and Hassan Zumo coming on for Abdillah Mwakombo in the 67th minute. Despite their efforts, the match ended in a stalemate, with both teams sharing the spoils.
Abdillah Mwakombo was recognised for his outstanding performance, earning the accolade of Player of the Match for his influential role in midfield. The friendly concluded with both teams reflecting on their performances, looking ahead to future challenges with optimism.
