Referees on spot in WPL as Thika and Oserian halt weekend tie

A contested referee decision in the Kenyan Women Premier League (KPL) over the weekend saw Thika Queens and Oserian Ladies match halted at the Thika Sub County Stadium, the later claiming biased officiating.

The entire Oserian technical bench stormed the field of play and in protest of a penalty awarded to the hosts in the 78th minute.

According to Thika head coach Joseph Otieno, striker Mwanahalima Adam had been brought down in the box and the referee pointed straight to the spot.

At the time of the development, Thika the scoreboard read 2-2, and Otieno says their opponents knew the penalty would have been the game changer.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Thika queens head coach Joseph Otieno said it was a clear penalty and urged the Kenyan football federation to crack a whip to Oserian technical bench for not respecting the referee’s decision.

“I was really disappointed with the Oserian technical bench, including the coach, his assistant, medics and two others. I couldn’t imagine the coach could tell the players to walk away with the match on. I mean, it was a clear penalty, and the referee was firm on it,” said Otieno.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has been on the spot with claims of rampant poor officiating increasing in both the Women and the National Super League (NSL).
Mercy Achieng had put Thika ahead in 12th minute before Sylvia Shilabuka restored the parity at the hour mark, before Oserian’s Leylah Apiyo scored an own goal seven minutes later.

Adam then scored in 74th minute, to settle the score at all two before the incident four minutes later.
Otieno further lamented the ‘unsporting behavior’ by Thika, adding his side had suffered the harsh referee decisions in previous matches, but serenely respected them.

“Harassing the referee was so uncalled for, no matter how much someone felt aggrieved. When we were playing against Vihiga Queens two weeks ago, they got a penalty and we did not complain at all.
To me that was a stupid act and FKF should give the crack the whip,” Added Otieno.

Had Thika won that match, they would have moved to the summit of the league with 21 points but now they remain second with 18 points, two behind the leaders Eldoret Falcons who have played nine matches.
FKF is yet to give direction on the halted match, with a possibility of ordering a repeat of the match or awarding maximum points to either of the teams.

Meanwhile, Vihiga Queens shot to position three on the log with 18 points after winning their weekend fixtures, beating Kisumu All Stars 7-0 at Moi Stadium Kisumu before edging Soccer Queens 1-0 on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Trans nzoia Falcons who beat Mumias based Wadadia 5-0 on Saturday in Mumias moved to number four on the log with 16 points after nine matches, while Oserian who lost 2-0 to Makolanders on Saturday at Ruaraka grounds conclude top five with 15 points.

Full weekend results;

Saturday

Makolanders 2-0 Oserian (Ruaraka)

Vihiga Leeds 2-4 Soccer Queens (Mumias Sports Complex)

Kayole Starlets 1-3 Spedag (Ruaraka)

Kisumu All Starlets 0-7 Vihiga Queens (Moi Stadium Kisumu)

Wadadia 0-5 Trans Nzoia Falcons (Mumias Sports Complex)

Sunday

Kisumu All Stsrlets 3-4 Vihigs Leeds(Moi Stadium,Kisumu)

Thika Queens (Abandoned) Oserian (Thika Stsdium)

Trans Nzoia Falcons 5-1 Baringo Starlets(Trans Nzoia Stadium)

Vihiga Queens 1-0 Soccer Queens (Mumias Sports Complex)

Gaspo Youth 1-0 Kayole Starlets (Ruiru)