The AFC Leopards defender has detailed how Ingwe implemented their game plan upon discovering the poor condition of the playing surface at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
AFC Leopards defender Kennedy Owino revealed that his team planned to capitalize on set pieces to defeat his former team, Posta Rangers, due to the deteriorated state of the pitch at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Owino emerged as the match winner when he successfully headed in Brain Wanyama’s corner kick at the 40th minute, securing all three points for the Leopards as they bounced back to form in the league.
Given the adverse condition of the Machakos pitch, exacerbated by ongoing rains and excessive use, both teams were unable to engage in their usual style of smooth passing play, relying instead on aerial balls.
Owino acknowledged that Tomas Trucha’s squad had focused on this strategy throughout the week after recognizing the challenges they would face in Machakos.
“We have been practicing this in our recent training sessions, although it wasn’t effective earlier. This time, the people responsible for deliveries did an excellent job,” Owino stated to Azam TV following Sunday’s 1-0 win over Posta Rangers.
“The pitch was in poor condition, forcing us to adopt a one-dimensional style of play. Knowing the pitch conditions, we concentrated extensively on set pieces,” he added.
Indeed, the Leopards effectively utilized set pieces to create difficulties for Posta Rangers, with Wanyama consistently delivering accurate corner kicks.
One such set piece nearly opened the scoring when Luke Namanda’s header was cleared off the line by Peter Oudo, while Clifton Miheos and Jaffari Owiti forced notable saves from Posta Rangers goalkeeper John Njau with their long-range shots.
Trucha acknowledged his team’s successful execution of their game plan, which he cited as a positive boost ahead of the upcoming Mashemeji derby against Gor Mahia.
“We aimed to return to our winning ways, which is great motivation before the big match. On such a pitch, effective football is not feasible, so the credit goes to the players,” Trucha explained.
Leopards are currently in eighth position, holding 38 points from 26 matches.
