RWAFA Football Club faced a challenging encounter against Junior FC at the Danson Mwanyumba Stadium on 24 November 2024, with the match concluding in a 2-1 defeat for the visitors. The game kicked off at 11:00 am, and despite an early advantage, RWAFA could not maintain their lead, succumbing to two second-half goals from their opponents.
RWAFA adopted a 4-4-2 formation, which saw Hassan Shee in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Hamidu Tabwara on the right, Yakini Mwazani and Hassan Ganzori in central defence, and Suleiman Ndonga on the left. The midfield was structured with Hassan Zumo on the right, Ashraf Gomba and Hamisi Mwafedha centrally, and Masudi Bokoko on the left. Up front, Bakari Chonga and Yassir Ngare were tasked with leading the line as forwards. This setup aimed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for width and attacking options through the flanks.
The substitutes for RWAFA included Salim Makame, Hamisi Swaleh (Cheupe), Shabani Mwachozi, Mohammed Omar, and Abdillah Mwakombo, who were poised to make an impact as the match progressed.
The match began with an unexpected twist as RWAFA took an early lead in the second minute, courtesy of an own goal from a Junior FC player. This early advantage set the tone for RWAFA, who looked to build on their momentum. However, as the first half unfolded, Junior FC gradually found their rhythm, and RWAFA struggled to maintain control.
As the match approached half-time, RWAFA held onto their slender lead, but the game was far from secure. The whistle blew for half-time with the score at 1-0, leaving RWAFA with a glimmer of hope for the second half.
The second half saw a tactical substitution for RWAFA in the 54th minute, with Salim Makame replacing Hassan Ganzori. This change aimed to bolster the midfield and provide fresh legs as RWAFA sought to maintain their lead. However, the tide turned in the 62nd minute when Junior FC equalised with a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box, struck with precision by one of their players, levelling the score at 1-1.
Just six minutes later, Junior FC took the lead with another impressive goal, this time a long-range strike from outside the box that found the back of the net, putting RWAFA behind at 2-1. The visitors were now under pressure to respond, and RWAFA made further changes to their lineup in an attempt to regain control of the match.
In the 64th minute, Hamisi Swaleh (Cheupe) came on for Hassan Zumo, followed by Shabani Mwachozi replacing Masudi Bokoko, both substitutions aimed at injecting fresh energy into the midfield and attack. RWAFA continued to push forward, but their efforts were met with resolute defending from Junior FC.
In the 71st minute, Mohammed Omar was introduced for Hamisi Mwafedha, as RWAFA sought to find an equaliser. However, the situation worsened for the visitors when, in the 75th minute, Abdillah Mwakombo came on for Mohammed Omar due to an injury, further complicating RWAFA's tactical plans.
Despite their best efforts, RWAFA could not find the back of the net again, and the match concluded with Junior FC emerging victorious with a final score of 2-1. The defeat was a bitter pill for RWAFA to swallow, having started the match brightly but ultimately falling short against a determined Junior FC side.
