RWAFA Football Club faced off against Bandari Youth FC in a gripping league encounter at the Nyumba Sita Stadium on 3rd November 2024, with the match concluding in a 1-1 draw. The contest was fiercely contested, with both teams showcasing their determination and skill, culminating in a dramatic finish that left the home crowd buzzing.
RWAFA adopted a 4-4-2 formation, which saw Hassan Shee in goal, flanked by a solid back four comprising Hamidu Tabwara on the right, Mohammed Ghazal on the left, and the central defensive pairing of Awali Dzengo and Hassan Ganzori. The midfield was structured with Hamisi Swaleh on the right, Masudi Bokoko and Ashraf Gomba occupying central roles, and Shabani Mwachozi on the left. Up front, Yassir Ngare and Bakari Chonga formed the striking duo, tasked with converting chances into goals. The formation aimed to provide a balanced approach, allowing for both defensive solidity and attacking flair.
The substitutes for RWAFA included Mwinyi Cheupe, Hassan Zumo, Suleiman Ndonga, and Abdillah Mwakombo, who would be called upon to make an impact as the match unfolded.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to assert their dominance. However, it was RWAFA's Masudi Bokoko who found himself in the referee's book first, receiving a yellow card in the 13th minute for a bad tackle. Just three minutes later, Mohammed Ghazal followed suit, also cautioned for a similar infringement, highlighting the intensity of the contest early on.
As the first half progressed, both teams struggled to find the back of the net, leading to a goalless stalemate at half-time. The players regrouped, and the second half commenced with renewed vigour.
The turning point came shortly after the break when RWAFA was forced to make an early substitution due to injury, bringing on Mwinyi Cheupe for Hamisi Swaleh in the 52nd minute. Just moments later, Bandari Youth FC capitalised on a penalty opportunity, converting from the spot to take a 1-0 lead. The goal came as a bitter blow to RWAFA, who had been resolute in defence until that point.
In response to the setback, RWAFA made tactical changes, introducing Hassan Zumo for Bakari Chonga in the 61st minute, followed by Suleiman Ndonga replacing Masudi Bokoko in the 70th minute. These substitutions aimed to inject fresh energy into the side as they sought to level the score.
As the match approached its final moments, RWAFA continued to press for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the dying seconds of the match when Yassir Ngare found the back of the net with a well-placed shot from close range, using his left foot to finish inside the box. The goal, scored in the 90th minute, sent the home fans into raptures and ensured that RWAFA would leave with a share of the spoils.
In the final moments, Abdillah Mwakombo was introduced for Shabani Mwachozi, but the match concluded shortly after, with both teams settling for a point. The draw leaves RWAFA and Bandari Youth FC with much to ponder as they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures.
