Mathare United coach John Kamau has voiced his frustration with the match officiating and the poor pitch conditions after his side was held to a 1-1 draw by APS Bomet in a tough SportPesa League encounter played under heavy rain.
The match, which took place on a muddy and waterlogged pitch, proved difficult for both teams, with the ball barely moving freely for long spells.
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia end Police FC’s unbeaten run to go top of SportPesa League
Despite the poor playing conditions, Mathare United took the lead in the 56th minute through captain Elli Asieche, who slotted home his fourth goal of the season in just eight games.
The strike also meant Asieche had equaled his entire goal tally from last season, underlining his impressive form this campaign.
However, in the dying moments of the match, Mathare’s hopes of securing all three points were dashed when APS Bomet were awarded a ‘controversial’ penalty. Hansel Ochieng stepped up and converted from the spot to level the scoreline.
Mathare United coach blasts officiating and poor pitch conditions
Speaking after the match, a visibly disappointed Kamau expressed his dissatisfaction with the referee’s decision to award the penalty.
“I am a little bit disappointed because I think this was a game we had already wrapped up,” Kamau said.
“I rarely disagree with match officials, but with this one, I am really disappointed with what happened. It was towards the end of the 90+ minutes, and I just do not understand where the penalty came from in that incident.”
The former Posta Rangers coach also raised concerns about the lack of live TV coverage for the game, suggesting that such decisions are more likely to occur when matches are not televised.
“When games are not live, so many questionable things tend to happen,” he remarked. “But all in all, I congratulate my boys. They worked hard despite everything.”
Kamau went on to criticize the state of the pitch, saying the heavy rains made it nearly unplayable.
“This was not a football pitch,maybe one where you could plant rice,” he joked bitterly, but I am happy we managed to get one point. Still, I believe we deserve better officiating.”
ALSO READ: Mathare United claim first SportPesa League win after stunning KCB
The result means Mathare United head into the November FIFA international break with eight points from eight matches, sitting 13th on the Kenya Premier league table. APS Bomet, meanwhile, remain at the bottom of the standings with five points from seven games.
Kamau will be hoping his side can regroup and bounce back stronger when league action resumes after the break.
