Gor, AFC Leopards match called off amid chaos
The 80th edition of the Mashemeji Derby did not live up to expectation as the match, which began in gusto, was stopped and finally cancelled due to chaos.
After a rather balanced and scoreless first half, Gor Mahia resumed the match in earnest in the second half pushing for a goal but their pressure was in several instances cooled off by the vigilant Ingwe goalkeeper Lucas Indeche.
Ingwe’s substitutions, which saw Joseph Wanyonyi come in for Patrick Kagogo in the 36th minute, and Duncan Otieno and Khalid Jumaan coming in for Fredrick Ndaaka and Diallo Lamine respectively in the second half, changed very little as Kogalo exerted their dominance in the match.
Trouble began after Gor Mahia were handed a penalty in the 63rd minute after AFC Leopards defender and Captain Jackson Saleh was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
According to match commission Paul Kaunda, the match could not continue due to safety concerns for those in attendance.
Kaunda, however, accused the police of high-handedness in handling the situation after AFC Leopards fans began throwing objects into the pitch in protest of the penalty.
“In order to tame hooliganism, we have to have punitive measures in place. I will write a comprehensive report regarding the match and ensure those responsible for the cancellation are held to account,” he said.
“We have invested a lot in this match, with several sponsors coming on board. It is sad to encounter such disruptions and chaos.”
Upon receiving the report, KPL through the Independent Disciplinary Appeals Committee (IDAC) is set to make a ruling on the matter.
The cancellation means AFC Leopards coach Zdravko Logarusic has not lost a derby during his time in charge of both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.
Photos by Kevin Esawo
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