Soy United’s National Super League aspirations suffered a significant blow as they fell 3-1 to hosts Sigalagala Polytechnic in a thrilling encounter at the Sigalagala Polytechnic Grounds. The match showcased early goals, tactical adjustments, and a dominant attacking display from the home side.
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Lineups
Sigalagala Polytechnic
Sigalagala deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ominde Morris guarded the goal, with Lisanza Bonventure and Anami Watson occupying the fullback positions. Mulukurwa Eugene and Ndiya Watson formed the central defensive duo. In midfield, Indangasi Cedrick partnered Shivachi Mike as the double pivot, while Ouma John played as the creative hub. Kidaha Sydney and Powell Shisima operated on the flanks, with Ihumba Elvis leading the attack.
Soy United
Soy United mirrored the 4-2-3-1 setup. Ashadu Bugembe was in goal, flanked by fullbacks Brian Ojok and Elvis Shamala. The central defensive partnership comprised Prince Busaka and Moses Osoi. In midfield, Erick Ondeko and Kevin Odira anchored the center, with Clinton Ouma acting as the attacking midfielder. John Khanda and Peter Okello played on the wings, while Mohamed Wangai spearheaded the attack.
Tactical Setup
Sigalagala Polytechnic
Sigalagala’s attacking strategy leaned heavily on wing play, with Powell Shisima as a constant threat on the right flank. Despite their offensive approach, the fullbacks stayed relatively conservative, ensuring defensive solidity. Shivachi Mike occasionally advanced to support attacks, morphing their shape into a 4-1-4-1 during possession. Defensively, they transitioned to a compact 4-4-2, with midfielders dropping deep to shield the backline. This disciplined structure helped Sigalagala nullify Soy United’s attacks while maintaining a counter-attacking edge.
Soy United
Soy United emphasized fluidity and possession, often using their wingers to stretch the field. Odira pushed forward to join the attack, creating a 2-1-4-3 shape in possession. Defensively, they reverted to a 4-5-1, forming a tight block in midfield to protect the backline. However, this setup occasionally left gaps in transitions, which Sigalagala exploited effectively.
Second Half Adjustments
Sigalagala Polytechnic
Sigalagala made a key substitution at halftime, introducing Wafula Tiberius for Kidaha Sydney. Wafula’s inclusion brought more control to the midfield, allowing Ouma John to shift to the wing. Later, Omumia Samuel replaced Ouma and took up the center-forward role. Samuel’s fresh energy paid dividends as he scored Sigalagala’s third goal, capitalizing on a precise cross from Shisima.
Soy United
Soy United’s first change saw Erick Shivachi replace Peter Okello in a like-for-like swap. However, the most notable adjustment came with a triple substitution: Khanda, Ondeko, and Ouma made way for Mohamed Barasa, Felix Ochieng, and Erick Namasaka. This shifted Soy United to a 3-5-2 formation, but the change left their flanks exposed. Sigalagala’s third goal stemmed directly from exploiting these defensive vulnerabilities.
Goals
Sigalagala Polytechnic
- Powell Shisima: Opened the scoring with a powerful strike from a tight angle after outmaneuvering two defenders on the right.
- Penalty Conversion: Shisima earned a penalty after being fouled in the box, which was calmly converted.
- Omumia Samuel: Scored the third goal, tapping in a precise cross from Shisima.
Soy United
Soy United’s lone goal came from a set-piece. Kevin Odira rose highest to meet a well-delivered cross from the left, heading past the goalkeeper to reduce the deficit.
Conclusion
Sigalagala Polytechnic’s clinical attacking play, driven by the outstanding Powell Shisima, proved too much for Soy United. The visitors struggled defensively, particularly after their late tactical shift to a 3-5-2 formation, which left them vulnerable on the flanks. Sigalagala’s disciplined defense and swift counter-attacks ensured a deserved victory, leaving Soy United with critical adjustments to make ahead of their next fixture.