Soy United assistant coach Namasaka slams ‘poor officiating’, security breach in Migori defeat

Soy United assistant coach Benedict Namasaka has criticized match officiating and security lapses following his team’s 3–2 defeat to Migori Youth in a National Super League match played at Green Stadium on Sunday.

The defeat left Soy United in 12th place on 33 points, eight behind third-placed MOFA FC. Meanwhile, Migori Youth reduced the lead of table leaders Mombasa United to just three points after moving to second place with 49 points.

Both Mombasa United and Migori Youth have played 24 matches so far, with 14 games remaining in the season.

Speaking after the match, Namasaka claimed the referee made several biased decisions that influenced the outcome.

“It was not good at all because the referee was so biased against us, calling fouls for Migori Youth all the time while our fouls were being ignored,” said Namasaka.

He questioned the decision that led to the hosts’ opening goal, which came from a penalty. According to the assistant coach, the incident involved a Soy United striker colliding with his own goalkeeper, yet the referee still awarded Migori Youth a spot kick.

Namasaka further argued that most fouls in dangerous areas were given to the hosts while similar incidents involving Soy United were overlooked. He claimed one of Migori Youth’s goals also came from such a foul.

The Soy United tactician also disputed the decision that led to Migori Youth’s third goal, saying the assistant referee wrongly awarded a corner kick.

“The ball had not crossed the line yet the linesman decided to award them a corner which brought their third goal,” he said.

Apart from the officiating concerns, Namasaka also raised alarm over security at the stadium. He alleged that a Migori Youth patron entered the pitch accompanied by his bodyguard, who allegedly slapped the Soy United head coach during the match.

“That’s unacceptable and there was not enough security to deal with such a situation,” he added.

Namasaka has now called on the Football Kenya Federation to investigate the incidents and address the issues raised.

“We are calling upon the federation to address this. We should not advocate for favouritism in matches that help teams eying promotion while mid-table teams suffer,” he said.