Gor Mahia have been dealt a blow as CAF suspends two key players indefinitely until their case is discussed in disciplinary meeting in Cairo, Egypt on January 13.
Defenders Haron Shakava and Joash onyango are suspended by CAF due disciplinary issues that came about in a CAF Champions League knock-out match against Lobi Stars in Enugu Nigeria last month.
As described in a letter dated 29th December 2018, CAF says there were quite a number of incidences on the pitch that called for centre referee’s action where six Gor Mahia players were cautioned and Lobi Stars too getting into referee’s book.
“We remind you that the referee report is authoritative regarding incidences that occurred on the field of play. The referee reported to the Disciplinary Board that the following player(s) was (were) cautioned – Samuel Onyango, Jacques Tuyisenge, Joash Onyango, Haron Shakava, Mustafa Francis and Humphrey Mieno,” stated the part of the letter.
Out of the six players cautioned, captain Haron Shakava and Joash Onyango will have to stay out of Sudnday’s CAF Confederation knock out match against New Star de Douala of Cameroon.
Shakava was in involved in a physical altercation with Lobi Stars goalkeeper when he retaliated to a slap by the Nigerian custodian. Joash on the other hand was reported for using ‘abusive language’ to the referee.
“Reports indicate that player no. 12 Joash Onyango came towards the referee at the end of the match and insulted him with abusive language.
“Furthermore, the goalkeeper of Lobi Stars, John Lawrence (16) slapped player no. 18 Haron Shakava of Gor Mahia who then went to kick back the goalkeeper. The referee was about to show them red cards yet the referees were evacuated by the police due to the pitch invasion.
“Therefore you are kindly requested to note that both Gor Mahia players no. 12 and no. 18 are provisionally suspended from taking part in CAF inter-clubs matches until the submission of the case to CAF Disciplinary board in its next meeting (January 13).
Gor Mahia will have to work with the available centre-backs in Charles Momanyi, Pascal Ogweno and Joachim Oluoch in Sunday’s first leg match against the Cameroonian side.