In a gripping cup encounter at Tumaini Primary School on 18 April 2025, Tena Flames FC emerged victorious against HOPE Sportiff FC, sealing a 3-0 win. The match kicked off at 4:00pm, with both teams eager to progress in the competition, but it was the Flames who proved too strong on the day.
HOPE Sportiff FC lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Hillary Akhura took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Benson Kimani and Wayne Karonji as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Isaac Odhiambo and George Karanja forming the central defensive partnership. Derrick Onsongo operated as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. Ahead of him, Lewis Owino and John Kitheka occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles, while Christopher Macharia, Bryce Njama, and Luis Nito formed a dynamic front three, looking to exploit any gaps in the Tena Flames defence.
The substitutes for HOPE Sportiff FC included Jean-Claude Kika, Manuel Digollo, James Onyango, and Prince Gicharu, who would be called upon later in the match to inject fresh energy into the side.
As the match unfolded, the first half saw both teams probing for openings, but it was a tightly contested affair that ended goalless at the break. The second half began with renewed intensity, and it wasn't long before the first significant event occurred. In the 52nd minute, John Kitheka received a yellow card for a bad tackle, a decision that highlighted the growing physicality of the match.
The tactical adjustments began in the 60th minute when HOPE Sportiff FC made a triple substitution. Lewis Owino made way for Jean-Claude Kika, John Kitheka was replaced by Manuel Digollo, and Benson Kimani was substituted for James Onyango. These changes aimed to revitalise the midfield and attack, but the Flames struck first just three minutes later.
In the 63rd minute, Tena Flames FC took the lead with a goal scored from close range inside the box, leaving Akhura with little chance to respond. The momentum shifted firmly in favour of the visitors, who capitalised on their advantage.
The Flames doubled their lead in the 71st minute with a stunning goal directly from a corner kick, executed with precision and power. HOPE Sportiff FC's defence struggled to cope with the set-piece threat, and the Flames' right-footed strike found the back of the net, sending their supporters into raptures.
In response to the growing deficit, HOPE Sportiff FC made another substitution, bringing on Prince Gicharu for Christopher Macharia in the 71st minute, hoping to inject some creativity into their attack. However, the Flames were relentless, and in the 82nd minute, they scored their third goal, again from a corner kick. The right-footed effort left the HOPE Sportiff defence reeling, effectively sealing the match in favour of Tena Flames FC.
Despite the scoreline, HOPE Sportiff FC continued to battle until the final whistle, but they were unable to find a way back into the game. The referee, Tena Flames, had a challenging task managing the physicality of the match, but the outcome was clear as the final whistle blew, confirming a comprehensive victory for Tena Flames FC.
