The Football Kenya Federation will today write a formal protest letter to the Confederation of Africa Football over “biased” officiating during Harambee Stars 2019 Afcon qualifying match against Sierra Leone Saturday.
10-man Kenya lost 2-1 to the Leone Stars at a soggy Siaka Stevens Stadium, Freetown – leaving the FA questioning the neutrality of the match officials and the suitability of the pitch.
In a lengthy interview with Soka25east.com, the FKF boss Mr. Nick Mwendwa said they felt “aggrieved” by “open” lopsided refereeing decisions that went against Kenya.
“It was horrendous to say the least. The ref was aggressive towards our players and in many instances gave away free kicks to our opponents unjustly,” a passionate Nick said adding that his boys were equally very upset.
“The boys went out there and gave their all in very unfair conditions. I feel it’s in bad taste that people are saying that should have won anyway. I feel I have to protect them.”
Nigerian officials led by center referee Ferdinand Aniette, first assistant referee Tejiri, second assistant referee Abdulmajeed Olaide and reserve referee Ekabatiem Ekabatiem were in charge of the group F match.
Sierra Leone’s second goal came through captain Umaru Bangoura’s penalty in the second half after Julius Wuobay had given them the lead in the first half.
China based striker Michael Olunga came close to leveling the Woubay’s goal but his venomous shot inside the six yards bounced off the ground and was cleared to safety after hitting the crossbar. It is not clear whether the ball crossed the line, however, the FKF holds that, from their own video reviews, it did and the linesman should have signaled for a goal.
Olunga would later atone for the miss with a lovely free-kick in the 75th for Kenya’s lone goal.
Nick also took issue with the sending off of Maritzberg United defender Brian Mandela, which he termed “harsh” and the “unplayable” muddy conditions of the pitch.
Mandela received a straight red in the 41st minute for hard tackle on Alhassan Kamara who was on full flight along the left channel after a quick break. Whether Kamara was in a goal scoring situation to warrant the referee’s red is debatable.
Nick is aware that CAF may not take any particular action against the Nigerian officials or reverse the score but, he feels for the records, the decision to write a formal protest is well in order.
“We want Africa to know that we were not pleased with the level of officiating in the match, and for future reference we believe that filing a formal protest in well in order.”
The loss leaves Kenya second from bottom in the group ahead of Ethiopia, who lost 5-0 to Ghana at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi Sunday. It has also generated a lot of heat from a section of fans who have expressly called for the sacking of the head coach Stanley Okumbi.
Nonetheless, Nick is categorical that they still don’t have enough reasons to fire the coach, and they will only do so when necessary.
“No technical bench is permanent but for now we are not going to disrupt our long term plans because of a single loss.”
