In a thrilling league encounter at the Kayole Calvary Play Ground on 26 April 2025, HOPE Sportiff FC showcased their attacking prowess, defeating Kayole Stars Academy with a commanding scoreline of 6-2. The match, which kicked off at 2:00pm, was a display of clinical finishing and tactical superiority from the visitors, who dominated throughout the game.
HOPE Sportiff FC lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining defensive solidity. Hillary Akhura took his position as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back four consisting of Benson Kimani on the right, George Karanja and Isaac Odhiambo in central defence, and James Onyango on the left. Derrick Onsongo operated as the lone central midfielder, providing a link between defence and attack. The attacking trio featured Lewis Owino and Luis Nito as right and left attacking midfielders, respectively, supporting the central striker, Bryce Njama, with Jean-Claude Kika and Wayne Karonji positioned as forwards on either flank.
The substitutes for HOPE Sportiff FC included John Kitheka, Michael Githaiga, and Owen Munguti, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.
The scoring opened early in the fifth minute when Isaac Odhiambo converted a penalty after being fouled in the box, with Jean-Claude Kika providing the assist. Just four minutes later, Odhiambo struck again, this time heading home from close range following a well-placed corner kick delivered by Luis Nito, doubling the lead to 2-0.
As the match progressed, Wayne Karonji added to the tally in the 20th minute, finishing from close range after a long pass from Kika, making it 3-0. Luis Nito then got on the scoresheet in the 26th minute, scoring a well-crafted goal after a short pass from Bryce Njama, pushing the score to 4-0.
Kayole Stars Academy faced further adversity when they received a red card in the 34th minute, leaving them with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, they managed to pull one back just before half-time, converting a penalty in the 40th minute to make it 4-1.
The second half began with HOPE Sportiff FC continuing to apply pressure, and Jean-Claude Kika capitalised on a defensive mistake to score in the 48th minute, restoring the four-goal cushion at 5-1. However, the match took a turn when James Onyango received a second yellow card in the 69th minute, resulting in his dismissal and reducing HOPE Sportiff FC to ten men.
In the 70th minute, Kayole Stars Academy converted another penalty, narrowing the deficit to 5-2. Despite the setback, HOPE Sportiff FC responded strongly, with John Kitheka scoring a stunning long-range goal in the 84th minute, assisted by Bryce Njama, to seal the victory at 6-2.
As the match drew to a close, Owen Munguti came on for Bryce Njama in the 90th minute, but the scoreline remained unchanged. The referee's performance was notably underwhelming, reflected in the overall flow of the game. Nonetheless, HOPE Sportiff FC's attacking display was the highlight, with Isaac Odhiambo earning the Player of the Match accolade for his outstanding contribution.
