Hope Sportiff FC played host to Mwangaza Hotspurs in a thrilling league encounter that lived up to expectations, with the home side edging out their opponents 3-2 in a high-octane clash at Tumaini Primary School. The match, which kicked off under clear skies at 2:00 PM, was packed with drama, moments of brilliance, and a touch of controversy.
Lining up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, Hope Sportiff FC entrusted the gloves to Hillary Akhura, guarded by a defensive quartet of James Onyango at right back, Wayne Karonji on the left, and the centre-back pairing of George Karanja and Isaac Odhiambo. The midfield engine room featured Derrick Onsongo in a deep-lying playmaker role, orchestrating the tempo from the middle of the park. Up front, the attacking line was spearheaded by Bryce Njama, flanked by the pace and flair of Jean-Claude Kika and Lewis Owino, with Prince Gicharu and Luis Nito supporting the attack as auxiliary forwards.
Substitutes included the energetic duo of John Kitheka and Derick Otieno, who were later introduced to make crucial contributions off the bench.
The visitors struck first, silencing the home crowd in the 12th minute with a clinical finish from inside the penalty area, punishing a lapse in defensive concentration. Things went from bad to worse for the Hosts in the 18th minute, a defensive shot taken by Isaac Odhiambo created chaos in the box. In a twist of misfortune, Isaac—while attempting to control a loose ball—mistimed his touch, inadvertently directing it into his own net, gifting Mwangaza a second goal and extending their lead to 2-0.
The first half also saw tempers flare, with yellow cards shown to both Lewis Owino and Isaac Odhiambo for reckless challenges, highlighting the physical and competitive nature of the contest.
Despite the early setback, Hope Sportiff FC refused to fold. They began their comeback just after halftime. In the 47th minute, Bryce Njama coolly slotted home a well-weighted pass from Derrick Onsongo, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and injecting new life into the game.
Coach’s tactical adjustments followed swiftly. In the 55th minute, John Kitheka and Derick Otieno came off the bench to add fresh legs and renewed energy to Hope’s midfield and attack.
The equalizer came just two minutes later in the, 57th minute when Kika, instrumental, pressed the Mwangaza defence into a mistake—forcing a handball inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot, and Isaac Odhiambo—redeeming his earlier own goal—stepped up with composure to bury the penalty, levelling the score at 2-2 and setting up a tense final phase of the match.
Hope’s relentless drive culminated in the , 68th minute, after sustained pressure saw Jean-Claude Kika weave through the Mwangaza defence and square the ball across goal. The resulting scramble ended with a close-range finish, completing the comeback and putting Hope ahead 2-3.
The intensity reached a boiling point after the third goal as frustrations boiled over among the visitors. In a shocking turn of events, the Mwangaza players—visibly angered and discontent with the officiating and the goal—stormed off the pitch in protest, abandoning the match before the final whistle could be blown.
Hope Sportiff FC claimed a dramatic and hard-earned 2-3 victory in a match that will be remembered for its fiery intensity and unexpected twists. The team showed resilience, character, and tactical discipline to come from behind and secure all three points. Wayne Karonji was a rock at the back throughout and was deservedly named Man of the Match for his solid defensive display and on-field leadership.
Hope marches forward with confidence as the season unfolds, taking valuable lessons from a match that tested their mettle in every department.
