Football Kenya Federation Vice President Doris Petra lashed out at Kenyan fans in Kisumu who invaded the pitch following Junior Stars’ penalty shootout win over
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President Doris Petra has lashed out at Kenyan fans in Kisumu who invaded the pitch following Junior Stars’ penalty shootout win over Tanzania at the ongoing CECAF U18 Boys Championships.
Fans turned out in large numbers at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu on Tuesday to witness Kenya’s Junior Stars take on Tanzania for a place in the final and had to endure a tense time as both teams played out a goalless draw before the contest was settled on post-match penalties.
As Syphas Owuor scored the winning penalty for Kenya relieved and jubilant fans poured into the pitch and joined in the celebration, causing confusion among players and the technical bench members before they extended their party to the streets of Kisumu.
14:00 - 07.12.2023
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The ugly scenes have not gone down well with the powers that be and FKF wants fans to exercise restraint especially as Kenya face Uganda in the final on Friday.
“It is unfortunate it happened, it was a stressful game played for more than 90 minutes and into penalties. The excitement was there but we need to control our emotions,” Petra said on Thursday.
“We need to support, cheer and celebrate [from] where we are because even the boys did not get an opportunity to celebrate.”
Petra has urged the supporters to be on their best behaviour during the final at the same venue on Friday where the trophy will be at stake.
“We are appealing to the public in Kisumu and even Kakamega for peace and order. We are appealing that nobody should invade the pitch because immediately after the final, there will be presentation of the trophy,” she added.
“We cannot present the trophy in an environment where the field has been invaded, the barriers are broken down and the players are being held by the public from getting out of the field.”
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