AFC Leopards interim head coach, Fred Ambani, has strongly condemned the decision by the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee to expel the club from the FKF Cup following crowd trouble in their match against Mara Sugar FC.
The committee ruled against Leopards after their fans allegedly stormed the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, in the 89th minute to protest a controversial refereeing decision. The match was abandoned after the referee overturned a penalty initially awarded to Leopards, a move that sparked outrage among the traveling supporters.
Ambani did not hold back his frustration, questioning the fairness of officiating in Kenyan football.
“It’s disappointing. If they have their own agenda, let them push it. But to make such a ruling when the evidence is there for all to see is baffling. It’s wrong when clear footage and photos show what happened, yet the decision goes against us,” he lamented.
The former striker also criticized the circumstances under which the penalty was revoked, stating that pressure from the Mara Sugar technical bench influenced the referee’s change of heart.
“A penalty was awarded, and even the assistant referee agreed with it. Then, suddenly, the decision is reversed after the opposing bench intervenes. Where is the fairness in that?” Ambani fumed.
Leopards now turn their focus to the FKF Premier League, where they sit fifth on the log with 36 points from 23 matches. They trail league leaders Kenya Police by nine points, though Police have played a game more.
Ingwe, who last lifted the league title in 1998, were hoping to add silverware to their cabinet after last winning the FKF Cup in 2017. However, with their cup run now ended off the pitch, their league campaign remains their only chance at glory this season.
