Kisii-based side Shabana FC has moved to third place in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League after a narrow 1-0 win over Bandari FC at Gusii Stadium on Sunday.
Brian Michira’s goal from the spot kick in the 28th minute handed the home team maximum points and affirmed they were still in the race for the title.
However, the decision by the centre referee to award Shabana a penalty was contested by the visitors after video replays showed there was no handball by Bandari players inside the box.
Despite protests from Bandari players and the technical bench, the referee stood by his initial decision and Michira stepped forward and beat Allaine Ngeleka with a thunderous effort.
Shabana Head Coach Peter Okidi said the victory had boosted the morale of his team, owing to the fact that it was not easy to play against Bandari because of the close working relationship that he had with their coach before he joined the coastal side.
“It was not easy coming into this fixture because Mwalala understands our style of play; that is why you saw his team trying to block every move that we made. However, we thank God for the win,” Okidi said.
Bandari Coach Bernard Mwalala accused the centre referee of bias, adding that such officiating should not be tolerated in Kenyan football.
“I knew there would come a time that I would lose a match but I never thought it would be through a dubious penalty,” Mwalala said.
The youthful tactician, however, expressed confidence that his team will dust themselves off and rise to the occasion in their next league match against AFC Leopards.
Following the win, Shabana moved to third place with 31 points, nine behind league leaders Gor Mahia.
By Mercy Osongo
