Tactical Analysis: How Hansel Ochieng’s Movement Made APS Bomet Torment Gor Mahia 4-1

Tactical Analysis: How Hansel Ochieng’s Movement Made APS Bomet Torment Gor Mahia 4-1

Mark Kinyanjui 16:00 - 27.11.2025

Gor Mahia were shocked 4-1 by APS Bomet in their league encounter at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, but how did they actually pull it off?

On Tuesday afternoon, struggling FKF Premier League newcomers APS Bomet pulled off the upset of all upsets by stunning Gor Mahia 4-1 in a clash that took place at the Nyayo National Stadium.

It was one of the worst afternoons in recent history for the side, who are in the hunt to reclaim the title they lost to Kenya Police last season.

Even more interesting is the fact that the game was held just four days before the original scheduling of the Mashemeji Derby on 29th November, although that fixture is now set to be postponed due to facility unavailability issues.

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Although one may argue that Gor Mahia had rotated their squad heavily with an eye on the weekend game, considering most of their heavy-hitters had taken part in the international break and had played just three days prior against Tusker, it was a generally shocking game to lose.

In the match, Hansel Ochieng netted a hat trick, while Rodgers Kipkemoi hit the nail in Gor Mahia’s coffin with a fourth goal, again after being set up by the former AFC forward from the counter attack.

But how exactly did Ochieng poop Gor Mahia’s party? Pulse Sports analyses what went on during the clash.

How Did Gor Mahia Line Up?

Possibly with an eye on the now-postponed Mashemeji Derby, head coach Charles Akonnor named a heavily rotated squad for the clash.

He started in a 4-3-3 formation, with Joshua Onyango starting alongside Mike Kibwage at center back. Samuel Kapen and Levin Odhiambo started at full back, while in midfield, Lawrence Juma and George Amonno were preferred instead of Enock Morrison and Austin Odhiambo.

Upfront, Ben Stanley Omondi and Chris Ochieng started, with Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw the only previous starter that kept his place.

How did APS Bomet Line Up?

Bob Cetric started in goal. Duke Alunda, Chris Ahoro, Edward Masembe and Joseph Ahiro were the backline.

Francis Omondi and Anthony Waibei were the midfielders, with Lawrence Kibet and Rodgers Kipkemoi starting on the flanks.  Philip Wasai and Hansel Ochieng were the two strikers upfront.

How Hansel’s Movement Proved the Catalyst for APS Bomet’s Shock Win

Although Ochieng’s hat-trick and assist were the headline stats, it was his off-the-ball movement that truly disrupted Gor Mahia’s defensive organisation, dragging markers out of position and creating crucial spaces.

The buildup to APS Bomet’s first goal—a penalty controversially awarded after Kibwage was incorrectly judged to have fouled Wasai—showcases this perfectly. 

In the accompanying visual, Ochieng drops deep to receive possession, pulling Kibwage out of position. 

Hansel Ochieng (circled) drops towards the ball as indicated by the arrow, dragging Mike Kibwage with him
Ochieng gets the ball before passing it straight to Rodgers Kipkemoi

This movement allows Kipkemoi to find space as Wasai occupies the vacated area.

Wasai runs into the space vacated by Mike Kibwage (circled)

Kibwage’s frantic recovery attempt creates panic, enabling Wasai to gain control and win the penalty.

Ochieng calmly converted the penalty to equalise. Moments later, his intelligent movement proved even more damaging during a counterattack. He timed his run to latch onto a precise channel ball from Kibet, exploiting the space behind Gor Mahia’s defence before slotting home. 

Ochieng (circled) moves into the channel as Kibet prepares to float one ball into the space
Ochieng gets it under control
Before finding the back of the net.

The Decisive Fourth Goal: Exploiting Gor Mahia’s High Line

In the 86th minute, with Gor Mahia pushing men forward to reduce the deficit, APS Bomet capitalised on a swift counterattack. 

Midfielder George Amonno lost possession carelessly, allowing the ball to be played quickly to Ochieng.

Tactical Analysis: How Hansel Ochieng’s Movement Made APS Bomet Torment Gor Mahia 4-1
Ochieng (circled) prepares to get on the end of a ball sprang by a teammate on the break

Isolating Kibwage one-on-one, Ochieng’s threat drew the attention of Sylvester Owino, who was providing cover. This distraction opened space for Rodgers Kipkemoi to make a timely run. [INSERT]

Ochieng isolates Kibwage one v one (green circle) while Sylvester Owino (maroon circle) watches
Ochieng then releases Kipkemoi down the right, who goes on to score the fourth goal

Kipkemoi received the pass and calmly finished to seal a remarkable victory for APS Bomet. [INSERT]

Hansel Ochieng’s tactical intelligence and movement off the ball were the driving forces behind APS Bomet’s biggest top-flight triumph. His ability to pull defenders out of position, exploit gaps, and combine clinical finishing not only unsettled Gor Mahia’s shape but also created the platform for a dominant, confident performance. 

This game will be remembered as a masterclass in movement and counterattacking efficiency.