CHAPTER 24 — THE RESPONSE MATCH
The stadium buzzed louder than ever. Kibera FC hadn't just survived the first half of the season — they had survived a scandal. The federation's investigation was underway, but today, the players didn't need decisions from officials. Today, the fight was theirs alone.
Coach David Mwangi stood on the sideline, scanning his team. His eyes landed on Brian, Kelvin, and Elijah — the heartbeat of the squad.
"This is more than a match," David said quietly to himself. "This is proof."
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First Half — Setting the Tone
From the first whistle, Kibera FC played with fire. Royal FC pressed hard, expecting to dominate. But Kibera's focus was sharper than ever.
Kelvin Odhiambo moved like a conductor, controlling the midfield, dictating pace, and forcing Royal FC into mistakes.
Brian Mburu, the goalkeeper, was commanding and alert, stopping every dangerous attempt and inspiring confidence.
Elijah Mutiso led with authority, directing teammates, breaking Royal FC's shape with clever passes and movements.
The stadium felt the shift. Kibera FC wasn't the same fragile team that had been humiliated before. Every tackle, every sprint, every pass had purpose.
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Breaking Through
In the 27th minute, Alphonse Mbatha made a lightning run down the wing. He danced past defenders, kept the ball close, and whipped in a cross.
Brian saw the perfect moment. Timing it perfectly, he ran forward and struck the ball cleanly into the net.
Kibera FC 1 – 0 Royal FC
The stadium erupted. Fans screamed, drums pounded, and for the first time, the players could hear the city roar in their favor.
Kelvin ran to Brian, slapping his back. Elijah hugged him, whispering: "This is how we fight back."
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Royal FC Fights Back
Royal FC didn't give up easily. They pressured, pressed, and forced errors. At the 42nd minute, a careless pass from Kibera allowed Royal FC's striker a clear shot.
1–1.
The first half ended in tension. Kibera FC had fought, but the equalizer reminded them the battle wasn't over.
Coach David gathered the team. "You've done well," he said. "But we control the second half. Discipline, focus, and fight. They will not take us down."
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Second Half — The Comeback
The whistle blew. Kibera FC returned to the pitch, more determined than ever.
Juma Barasa marshaled the defense like a general, stopping dangerous counters.
Samba Ndungu anticipated every cross, clearing with power.
Kelvin and Elijah combined to dominate the midfield, creating openings and controlling possession.
Then, in the 78th minute, the breakthrough came. Kelvin threaded a perfect pass through the Royal defense. Brian sprinted, touched it past the keeper, and scored.
2–1. Kibera FC leads.
The final minutes were brutal. Royal FC attacked with desperation, but Kibera held firm. Every block, every tackle, every save counted.
Finally, the referee blew the whistle. Kibera FC had won.
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After the Match
The players collapsed on the pitch, exhausted but triumphant. They hadn't just won a game. They had reclaimed their pride.
Coach David walked onto the pitch, clapping slowly. "This," he said, "is what fight looks like. You showed heart, resilience, and unity. Remember this feeling."
Brian looked around at his teammates. For the first time that season, they truly believed. They could fight. They could survive. They could grow.
And as the fans chanted their names, the city knew: Kibera FC was no longer to be underestimated.