Late penalty denies Mathare maximum points in Kericho
Mathare United was denied maximum points on Sunday in the Premier League against APS Bomet, with the round eight clash ending in a 1-1 draw.
John Kamau’s men had led from the 56th minute through a sublime strike by the in-form Elli Asieche, but a late penalty in stoppage time ensured the hosts at the Green Stadium in Kericho walked away with a point.
The result denied the Slumboys the chance to get back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats, and a frustrated Kamau had this to say after the final whistle.
“I am disappointed because this is a game we had wrapped up. They (Bomet) were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the game, which should never have been given. I normally don’t disagree with the decisions of the referee, but on this one, I am really disappointed,” bemoaned Kamau.
“In the final seconds of the game, you are awarding a penalty that lacks substance. Such occurrences are a result of matches not being aired live.”
Kamau also took issue with the Kericho pitch that was waterlogged due to persistent rain, making it unbearable for both teams to play to their strengths.
“Despite us not being able to get the win, I congratulate the boys for their character and fighting spirit in subpar conditions. Because this was not a football pitch, and maybe it is a pitch where rice can be planted,” said Kamau.
The point earned on Sunday saw Mathare improve to eight points after eight games, and now the lads will seek to improve on this when they welcome Kakamega Homeboyz next weekend in Nairobi.