Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Wilson Oburu has jumped to Patrick Matasi’s defense in light of the criticism directed at him following the team’s 4-1 defeat to Cameroon.Matasi was faulted for two of the four goals Cameroon scored in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier staged at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on Friday night.The second goal still remains a hot topic of discussion in football circles as Matasi appeared to direct a harmless shot, which he would have gathered comfortably on another day, into the goal.##NAJAVA_MECA_8410547##Oburu feels that it is harsh to entirely attribute the heavy loss to Matasi as the goals conceded could have been prevented with good coordination in the defence.”He has been criticised and all manner of insinuations made especially on the second goal. If you carefully look at it, you will realise there were lapses in defence. Defensive mistakes led to the goal. Of course, Matasi knows where he could have done better but ultimately, the team should have done better,” he said.Tactical Analysis: A look into Harambee Stars’ 90 minutes of total submission against CameroonAsked whether Matasi should be given a chance to redeem himself in the return match on Monday, Oburu said, much as that was a prerogative of the technical bench, every player deserves a second chance.The league-winning goalkeeper with Sofapaka said mistakes can befall any player and thus Matasi should be supported rather than criticised. “We have seen great goalkeepers make errors and still play the next match. I know the technical bench will make the right call ahead of the Monday match. All Matasi needs is support from his teammates and fans. He will bounce back strong,” remarked the former Tusker man.Harambee Stars head coach admits boisterous Cameroon fans played part in defeatMatasi will face competition to keep the number one shirt from the duo of Bryne Omondi and Ian Otieno. Omondi was almost faultless in the opening two matches of the qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia as he conceded a single goal in the two matches.
