Mara Sugar vs AFC Leopards: Why FKF cup tie was abandoned?

Scenes at the Jomo Kenyatta Mamboleo stadium in Kisumu following centre referee's decision during Mara Sugar vs AFC Leopards. © Jose Talkless/ Talkless Photographie.

Mara Sugar vs AFC Leopards: Why FKF cup tie was abandoned?

Stephen Awino 11:44 - 09.03.2025

Mara Sugar vs AFC Leopards round of 32 clash in the FKF cup was abandoned in the dying minutes.

The FKF Cup round of 32 clash between Mara Sugar FC and AFC Leopards at the Jomo Kenyatta Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu was abandoned in the final minutes.

The highly anticipated knockout fixture had remained goalless for the entire match, with both teams battling fiercely for a spot in the next round.

However, tension escalated late in the game when the center referee awarded AFC Leopards a penalty, a decision that Mara Sugar players strongly contested.

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Their protests led the referee to consult the assistant referee, after which he dramatically overturned his initial decision, disallowing the penalty.

This reversal infuriated sections of the crowd, leading to unrest in the stands.

Some fans stormed the pitch in protest, allegedly targeting the referee. Sensing the threat, security personnel swiftly intervened to rescue the match official from the escalating situation.

With the situation spiraling out of control, the match was declared void, leaving both teams and their supporters in limbo regarding the outcome.

The Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee is now set to deliberate on the way forward, with possible outcomes including a replay, awarding the match to one of the teams, or disqualifying one or both sides depending on the findings of their investigation.

This latest incident once again brings to the fore concerns over officiating in Kenyan football, as well as the need for better security measures to prevent similar disruptions in future matches.

With AFC Leopards being one of the most followed clubs in the country, and Mara Sugar eager to make their mark in domestic competitions, FKF’s ruling on the matter will be closely watched by players, fans, and stakeholders alike.