In a commanding display, SMPI Academy triumphed over Mutomo Youth Football Club with a resounding scoreline of 5-1 in a friendly match held at the Mutomo Stadium on 9th March 2025. The match kicked off at 4:00 PM, and the 100-strong crowd witnessed an entertaining contest where SMPI Academy showcased their attacking prowess.
SMPI Academy lined up in a classic 4-4-2 formation, which provided a solid defensive base while allowing for dynamic attacking play. Benjamin Victor stood guard in goal, supported by a back four comprising Mutinda Charles and William Wambua as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Mutisya Michael and Alex Sila holding the central defensive positions. The midfield was structured with Alex Kiema and Daniel Muthama operating on the right and left flanks, while Daniel Waithangi and Joseph Kithembe anchored the centre. Up front, Shadrack Francis and Nasolo Salim were tasked with leading the line, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.
The substitutes for SMPI Academy included Victor Singe, Said Salim, Kevin Macharia, Peter Mutinda, and Joseph Kitesi, who would be called upon to make an impact as the match progressed.
The match began with an early attempt from Daniel Waithangi, whose effort in the first minute was saved by the Mutomo goalkeeper, signalling SMPI's intent. Just moments later, in the second minute, Mutisya Michael opened the scoring with a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box, curling the ball into the net with his right foot.
SMPI Academy continued to press, and by the seventh minute, they doubled their lead. Nasolo Salim scored with a delightful lob from close range, assisted by a long pass from William Wambua, leaving the Mutomo defence scrambling.
As the first half progressed, Benjamin Victor was called into action, making a full-stretch save in the 15th minute to deny a potential goal from the opposition. However, in the 35th minute, Mutomo Youth FC managed to pull one back with a direct free-kick of their own, scored from outside the box, which brought the score to 2-1 just before half-time.
The teams went into the break with SMPI Academy leading 2-1, and the second half saw immediate tactical changes as Said Salim, Kevin Macharia, Peter Mutinda, and Victor Singe were introduced shortly after the restart.
The second half began with a flashpoint as Victor Singe received a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 50th minute. However, he quickly made amends, as just six minutes later, in the 56th minute, Said Salim scored a spectacular long-range strike, assisted by himself, extending SMPI's lead to 3-1.
The match continued with Benjamin Victor showcasing his goalkeeping skills again, making a crucial dive at the feet of an opponent in the 63rd minute, followed by a parry in the 66th minute to keep the scoreline intact.
In the 68th minute, Shadrack Francis scored his first of the match, tapping in a close-range effort after a precise short pass from Daniel Waithangi, making it 4-1.
Francis was not done yet; just five minutes later, in the 73rd minute, he scored again, this time with his left foot following a well-worked team move, assisted by Kevin Macharia. This goal sealed the emphatic 5-1 victory for SMPI Academy.
The match concluded with SMPI Academy firmly in control, demonstrating their attacking flair and solid defensive organisation, leaving Mutomo Youth FC with much to ponder as they regroup for future fixtures.
