Pure chaos and pandemonium erupted at the Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday, November 7th when Kakamega Homeboyz rallied to hold visiting Bandari to a 1-1 draw in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match.
The match was highlighted with chaotic scenes in the dying minutes, more so between Bandari players, the center referee and Homeboyz fans. Trouble erupted when Homeboyz was awarded a 93rd minute penalty which Bandari players protested surrounding the referee prompting fans to shout from the stands.
After calm, Homeboyz's George Odiwuor stepped out but missed the penalty after a fine save by Bandari goalkeeper Michael Wanyika to deny the host all the three points.
There were chaotic scenes again after the match between Homeboyz fans and a few Bandari fans with police forced to contain the situation. A journalist was reportedly injured in the scuffle. Fortunately, Teamkenya.co.ke was able to get in contact with Bandari FC’s Team Manager Mr. Ogari.
"As we are speaking, the players are very much safe and okay. We managed to jump the Bukhungu Stadium gates even amid the chaos. On the part of match security, the stadium wasn't safe at all and it wasn't guaranteed. Kakamega Homeboyz fans began attacking our players after missing a penalty and unfortunately some security guards were injured in the fracas," Explained Ogari.
"We managed to be secluded in a safe and secure section at the Bukhungu Stadium for about one and a half hours. Currently speaking we have already launched a complaint to FKF regarding the issues that arose in the match. It seemed we were destined to fare poorly as the officiating was very terrible. We had 9 players yellow carded and the final spot kick was totally uncalled for since it did not make any sense," added Mr. Ogari.
On reaching out to Bandari FC Captain, Felly Mulumba all was assured that the players were well and okay. Benjamin Murimi had given the visitors a first half lead before center back Nrian Eshihanda salvaged a point for Homeboyz as both sides missed the chance to go top above leaders Gor Mahia.
A win for either would have seen their point tally rise to 15, one above leaders Gor Mahia who battled to 1-1 draw against Kenya Police at MISC Kasarani on Saturday. Both Bandari and Kakamega Homeboyz have amassed 13 points. Homeboyz on the other hand remains unbeaten despite the draw in ther opening five matches.