South City FC Overwhelmed By Hopestars FC At Prisons Ground

South City Fc travelled to Prisons Ground on 25 January 2026 for a 12:30pm kick-off in a league away fixture against Hopestars fc. Despite a spirited effort, South City Fc succumbed to a 4-1 defeat after a challenging 90 minutes plus injury time. The visitors struggled to contain Hopestars fc’s attacking threat, ultimately falling short on the scoreboard.

South City Fc lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking width. Vicky Mwangi took position in goal, tasked with organising the backline and making crucial saves. The defence comprised Ian Tobiko at right back, central defenders David Nakhunghu and Bedan Muchiri, and Machok Deng on the left. In midfield, Alvin Lole operated on the right, Abu Zak held the central midfield role, and Alvin Kivuva provided creativity from the left. Up front, the attacking trio consisted of Wayne Kephers on the right wing, Rodney Korir as the central striker, and Amos Kimelly on the left wing. The substitutes available were Mike Kyalo, Fabian Otieno, Sam Kiptoo, Brian Mwangi, and Nick Kantai.

The match began with Hopestars fc asserting early pressure, and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring in the 11th minute. A defensive error from South City Fc allowed Hopestars to capitalise at close range with a left-footed finish, setting the tone for a difficult afternoon. South City Fc responded with determination, and their efforts bore fruit in the 30th minute when Alvin Kivuva expertly finished a well-worked team move with his right foot, levelling the score and reigniting hope.

However, the game’s physicality intensified, and Hopestars fc received a yellow card in the 36th minute for a bad tackle, signalling their aggressive intent. The first half concluded with the teams level at 1-1, setting up an intriguing second period.

Hopestars fc wasted no time in regaining the lead just four minutes after the restart. Another defensive lapse from South City Fc allowed the opponents to slot home a left-footed strike. The pressure mounted further when Hopestars extended their advantage in the 55th minute, this time from outside the box with a right-footed shot following yet another defensive mistake.

South City Fc reacted swiftly with a double substitution in the 56th minute, bringing on Mike Kyalo for Abu Zak and Fabian Otieno for Machok Deng in a tactical reshuffle. The visitors’ hopes were dealt a blow a minute later when Hopestars fc saw a player sent off after receiving a second yellow card, reducing them to ten men. South City Fc made another tactical change in the 58th minute, replacing Amos Kimelly with Sam Kiptoo to inject fresh legs into the attack.

Despite being a man down, Hopestars fc continued to press and scored again in the 60th minute from a set piece, a left-footed effort from outside the box that left Mwangi with little chance. South City Fc sought to respond, making further substitutions in the 67th minute as Brian Mwangi replaced Ian Tobiko and Nick Kantai came on for Alvin Kivuva, aiming to shore up the defence and midfield.

Ultimately, South City Fc were unable to overturn the deficit as Hopestars fc’s clinical finishing and capitalisation on defensive errors proved decisive. The 4-1 scoreline reflected a tough day on the road for South City Fc, who will look to regroup and address the defensive frailties exposed during this encounter.