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FKF-PL: Chaos rock AFC Leopards, Shabana tie

Shabana FC fans cheer during the Football Kenya Federation Premier League match between AFC Leopards and Shabana at Ulinzi Sports Complex on October 1, 2023
 

Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group

By  Cecil Odongo  &  Wycliffe Nyaberi

What you need to know:

  • Mara Sugar coach Benard Wanjala believed his side should have secured all three points, but their wastefulness in front of goal cost them.
  • “We had a few chances which I believe we should have converted. We knew from the start that this match would not be easy because Bidco United are fighting relegation,” said Wanjala.

The Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) match between AFC Leopards and Shabana ended in a 1-1 draw on Sunday, but the high-risk fixture was marred by crowd trouble, forcing police to intervene with teargas.

Shabana took the lead in the 19th minute through Kevin Omundi, but Kenya international Ovella Ochieng' equalised for Leopards just before halftime in the 43rd minute.

However, chaos erupted before Leopards leveled the scores as rival fans fought over seating arrangements. Shabana supporters attempted to eject AFC Leopards fans from their seats, leading to a violent confrontation.

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Armed police were forced to intervene, throwing teargas to separate the rival factions before creating a buffer zone to prevent further clashes. The match was temporarily halted for 10 minutes before resuming.

The fixture was anticipated to draw a large crowd, given the strong fan base of both teams in the topflight league.

AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani had raised concerns before the match about hosting the high-risk fixture at Kenyatta Stadium, comparing it to the Mashemeji Derby, which also demands tighter security measures.

“I’m disappointed, and the federation should look for other facilities to host matches. We train and prepare well, but the problem is that the pitch becomes another opponent, and we can’t play well,” said Ambani in his post-match press conference.

“Football should not be played on such a ground. I’m not happy, and we can’t continue playing in such facilities, even if we have a problem in our attack,” he added.

On the other hand, Shabana coach Peter Okidi was left frustrated after his team failed to hold onto their lead, pointing out recurring defensive mistakes.

“I just didn’t like how we conceded, and we have to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again. These are the things we work on in training, but we fail to apply them in real matches,” Okidi said.

The result means AFC Leopards remain sixth on the table with 36 points from 23 matches, while Shabana sits on 34 points after 24 games.

In another FKFPL fixture, Mara Sugar and Bidco United played out a 0-0 draw at Awendo Green Stadium in Migori County.

Mara Sugar coach Benard Wanjala believed his side should have secured all three points, but their wastefulness in front of goal cost them.

“We had a few chances which I believe we should have converted. We knew from the start that this match would not be easy because Bidco United are fighting relegation,” said Wanjala.

“However, we thank God for the point, and we will build on this in our next matches,” he added.