Irked Shabana appeal controversial FKF Cup exit

A day after their contentious Kenya Cup Round of 16 exit, Shabana FC has filed an official protest to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), demanding a thorough review of the officiating and a potential replay of their clash with Kakamega Homeboyz.

In a strongly-worded letter dated April 14 and signed by club Secretary General Dr. Elizaphan Kerama, the Gusii-based club expressed deep frustration over what it termed “poor and biased officiating” in the match held at Moi Stadium, Kisumu, on Sunday, April 13.

 The game ended 1-0 in favour of Kakamega Homeboyz, but controversy erupted in the final minutes when a goal by Shabana’s Dennis Okoth perceived as a legitimate equalizer was disallowed by the match officials.

“The decision to cancel the goal was not only unjustified but also deeply frustrating, as both video evidence and eyewitness accounts confirm it was a clean goal,” as stated in the letter.

The club warned that such officiating risks turning football matches into “battlegrounds,” emphasizing that the integrity of the sport is at stake if officials are not held accountable.

Shabana head coach Peter Okidi did not hold back. “The way the referee officiated here I think he lied to them so much. I’m not afraid to say this this is what is making our football go down,” he said during a heated post-match interview.

Shabana’s bold stance fueled by fan outrage and apparent video evidence may force FKF into a corner, with their next steps likely to set a precedent.