Kibwage slams officiating after Tusker's lose to Gor Mahia

Tusker centre back Michael Kibwage has expressed his disappointment in officiating following Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Gor Mahia.

Benson Omalla's 21st-minute goal, which has sparked heated controversy among football fans about officiating, settled the scores in a tightly contested encounter that was staged at Kasarani Stadium.

With two wins to show for,a win for the brewers would get them back to winning ways and close the gap within reach of current league leaders Posta Rangers, but they had to settle for a second successive loss and a third defeat of the season in the hands of Gor Mahia.

Kibwage says it was a painful loss due to what he cites as a dubious error in officiating.

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"It is painful to lose a match when you clearly know it was due to poor officiating. It demoralises to lose in such a manner rather than losing fairly." he stated

Kibwage, who was sent off at the tail end of the match with six minutes to play after a reckless tackle on Benson Omala, admits his error will cost the team in the coming matches since he will not be available for selection but believes the team has enough depth to register positive results despite his absence.

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"The red card situation happened way too quickly. I had to react and make a decision at that particular time, and suddenly my tackle led to my sending off. Nonetheless, I believe we have a balanced team that can compete, and I believe the rest of the squad will step up despite my absence." The stopper added.

The former Sofapaka, AFC Leopards and KCB skipper has further called for stern action to be taken against match officials who fail to make the right calls.

"The game was live on Azam, and I believe officiating should not be an issue but top-notch in a game of such calibre. Slight errors, and the damage is done. Just as we get punished for not adhering to the rules, the same should apply to match officials because certain decisions are costing clubs points. I call upon the federation to help in ensuring fairness reigns throughout and actions are taken aptly," concluded Kibwage.

FKF PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 7

Saturday

KCB 1-1 Ulinzi Stars

Sofapaka 1-0 Kenya Police

Talanta FC 3-1 Posta Rangers

Sunday Results

Nzoia Sugar 0, Kakamega Homeboyz 1,

Moses Shumah 60

Bidco United 0 Murang’a Seal 0

Bandari 1 AFC Leopards 0

Derrick Nsibambi 57

Kariobangi Sharks 1 Muhoroni Youth 1

Geoffrey Onyango 82/ Collins Neto, 50

Shabana 2 Nairobi City Stars 2

Eugene Mukangula 17, Vincent Nyabuto 42 / Samuel Kapen 6, Vincent Owino 84

Tusker 0 Gor Mahia 1

Benson Omala 20