Gor Mahia vs Kakamega Homeboyz match played at Bukungu Stadium in Kakamega was marred with bed officiating with the center ref awarding a dubious penalty to the host equalizer.
K’Ogalo had taken the lead three minutes into the game through Peter Lwasa before Homeboyz were awarded a penalty 17 minutes later where George Odiwour converted to make it 1-1.
The “culprit” center-back Joshua Onyango has maintained his innocence, explaining that the challenge was made inches outside the box and the center referee George Mwai was meters off the incident.
Onyango was adjudged to have hacked Homeboys forward Yema Mwamba in the area, a challenge that saw Homeboyz get a penalty that led to the equalizer.
This call did not go well with K’Ogalo fans and stewards who descended on him on his way to the dressing room during the halftime break.
Mwai did not return to the game in the second half and was replaced by the fourth official Wilson Otieno. Homeboyz scored the winning goal in the 57th minute after Mwamba netted the second goal.
Onyango while accusing the referee of business maintained that he made contact with the ball while outside the box.
“I stretched my right leg and hit the ball to safety. The incident happened outside the box and it is unfortunate the referee fell to the Homeboyz forward’s trick. Had I not touched the ball, it would not have changed direction,” Onyango tola Mozzat Sport during the interview.
Despite conceding the penalty on his debut, Onyango says the outcome of the match will not deter him from fighting for his place in the starting team.
“I had patiently waited for the chance to play my first game for the club and I am glad I made it. Although we did not get points in the match, I am happy to have won the confidence of the coach. I am hoping that I will stick in his first-team going forward,” he added.
Coach Mark Harrison turned to the youngster who joined Gor before the season began from Kariobangi Sharks following the absence of Frank Odhiambo who says he missed the match due to family issues.
K’Ogalo moved down to 3rd position on the KPL log with 18 points with a game at hand.