We deserved a penalty, but referee robbed us, growls Mbungo

AFC Leopards head coach Andre Cassa Mbungo believes that centre referee Philip Bruke denied them a penalty during a Kenyan Premier League encounter against Ulinzi Stars on Saturday at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County.

Leopards extended their unbeaten run to eight games after losing only once in their opening game of the season against Kakamega Homeboyz.

At the weekend they gave a fair account of themselves but match official Philip Bruke waved play-on when it appeared that forward John Mark Makwata had been brought down in the danger area by Ulinzi midfielder Edgar Mukolwe.

“To me I can say that (foul on Makwatta) was a straight penalty. He was on the verge of scoring but he was clearly brought down by Mukolwe. The referee was not far from the incident but he denied us a spot kick,”he lamented.

“I will review the footage again to confirm my sentiments to see if I can lodge a complaint with the disciplinary board. Otherwise we had more chances but failed to utilize them,”added Mbungo.

His counterpart Benjamin Nyangweso of Ulinzi Stars however hailed his charges for their robust defence.

“I was so much impressed by what my defenders did, they made sure that Makwata and Hansel Ochieng did not get a chance to score.

Nyangweso however believes they could have won the match had it not been for the niggling injuries they have suffered.

Skipper Boniface Okinyi, who was withdrawn in the club’s previous outing against KCB is still in the treatment room and so is defender Omar Mbongi who is struggling with a thigh muscle injury.

Others are goalie James Saruni, right back Cyril Nasiali( calf muscle sprain), George Omondi (thigh muscle) and Ibrahim Shambi.

Meanwhile Tusker FC who secured a comfortable 3-2 win against Nzoia Sugar at the same venue leads the log with 16 points followed by Gor Mahia and Leopards in second and third positions respectively with 15 points apiece.

KCB are fourth with 14 points same to Kakamega Homeboyz who drew 2-2 against Sofapaka at fifth place.

Weekend Results

Saturday November 2

Tusker 3 – 2 Nzoia Sugar

Wazito 4 – 3 Sony Sugar

Mathare Utd 0 – 0 Posta Rangers

Leopards 0 – 0 Ulinzi Stars

Chemelil 1 – 1 Kisumu All-Stars

Sunday November 4

Kakamega Homeboyz 2 – 2 Sofapaka

Kariobangi Sharks 0 – 1 Zoo