Controversy mars match as Kathunge Boys retain title

Kathunge Boys High School were crowned the Eastern Region football champions for a sixth consecutive time after a 3-2 win over Saint Martins Makueni in a tightly contested final on Saturday.

Saint Martin were first to score through Stephen Maunda and Kevin Kyalo to take a a 2-0 lead at the intervals.

However, a Festus Malela brace soon after the break leveled scores to a 2-2 forcing the game to extra time.

With Kathunges title on the line and a loss for the Ibrahim Naika coached side viewed as a tragedy, and with 15 minutes to play, Kathunge struck!

With a long ball from deep his own half, Kathunge skipper Abdulrahman Rashid assisted Isco Muna to score a controversial goal that saw local fans invade the pitch and chase away the referee, claiming the goal should not have stood.

“It’s unfortunate. They think otherwise but you can be sure the goal was clean and we march to the finals energized and stronger than today,” Isco said.

Kathunge captain Abdulrahman Rashid was quick to warn his teammates not to be carried away but to focus on the main prize which is to be national champions.

“It’s good to celebrate but I hope it doesn’t get into to our heads, we still have a lot to do and my plea is composure, focus and discipline as we approach the nationals next month,” Rashid said.

Saint Martin head coach Boniface Mutuku was not a happy man after the game, citing poor officiating as the key reason they lost.

“It was a clear hand ball and for a qualified referee to award such a goal is a disgrace to the football fraternity and the upcoming generation. We just wish them well in their endeavours,” Mutuku said.

In the ladies category, Chogoria Girls lost 0-1 to Matuu Girls in the final to sail through to the nationals slated for July 20-28 2018 in Eldoret.