Kenya international and Zesco United midfielder Anthony Agai Akumu has for the first time spoken about Sunday night’s attack in Conakry, Guinea in which his right eye ball was stoned.

The Zambian outfit was in the Guinea capital for a reverse fixture of the CAF Champions League versus Horoya City. Despite winning 2-0 via “questionable” penalties, the home side failed to go through to the round of 16, losing 4-3 on aggregate.

“The incident happened after the game when we were heading back to our bus; that’s when a stone just came from nowhere and hit my right eye ball. I was on the front line,” Akumu told Soka25east.com

“Our team doctor treated me well and did everything he could to make me feel well. The pain was unbearable last night but now at least I can open my eye.”

A section of Horoya City fans started engaging in acts of hooliganism as the match grew thinner by throwing missiles into the field of play in frustration for lack of a third goal which could have guaranteed them progression.

The despicable acts unfortunately extended outside the field leading to the incident in which Akumu was hit by a stone on the right eye. Zesco cameraman was also reported to have been harassed and his match recording erased,probably to get rid of any evidence of a biased officiated tie as the Zambians claimed.

Zesco played the better part of the match a man less after Cletus Chama was red-carded in the 44th minute for second bookable offense; however they managed to hold on to the scoreline (2-0), despite playing 12 minutes added time, and proceeded to the next round.

Akumu is part of Kenya’s Harambee Stars squad of 18 which left for Equatorial Guinea this morning for AFCON 2017 qualifiers against the host on Wednesday 23. He (Akumu) and his teammates Jesse Were and David Owino will link up with the rest of the team in Bissau via Senegal tomorrow.

“I’m not sure about playing on Wednesday, I really don’t know how I will be tomorrow. I can’t be in the direct contact with light. I hope I will recover in time for the match.” Akumu added.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com