AFC Leopards interim Head Coach Fred Ambani has strongly condemned the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee for disqualifying his team from the Mozzart Bet Cup, citing alleged fan misconduct.The committee found Leopards guilty after their supporters reportedly stormed the pitch at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo, during their Round of 16 clash against Mara Sugar FC.The incident occurred in the 89th minute after the referee controversially overturned a penalty decision in Ingwe’s favor, leading to the match’s abandonment.##NAJAVA_MECA_8793230##Speaking to Mulembe FM, Ambani did not hold back his frustration.“They have their own agenda, and if their mission is to push certain teams forward, so be it. If they believe this decision is fair, let them go ahead. But with all the cameras and witnesses, it’s shocking that they still arrived at this ruling,” Ambani lamented.He further questioned the fairness of the decision, insisting that Mara Sugar fans were the first to invade the pitch.“Which fans entered the field first? Was it not Mara Sugar’s supporters? Who provoked the chaos? Why is AFC the only one being blamed?” he asked.’Misunderstanding’ led to Joseph Okumu being omitted from Harambee Stars squadAmbani called for impartiality in officiating, arguing that such decisions stifle healthy competition.“How does a referee award us a penalty, and then the opposing technical bench surrounds him until he reverses it? Even the assistant referee had agreed with the original call! Why the sudden change of mind? Why not just be fair?” Ambani fumed.##NAJAVA_MECA_8794114##According to him, the events of March 8 were plain to see, and AFC Leopards were unjustly punished.“Everyone saw what happened. We are witnessing teams being unfairly given free passes to advance. This is blatant match-fixing, and it’s wrong.We have provided photo and video evidence, yet they refuse to acknowledge them. It’s as if AFC Leopards were the only ones on that pitch, while Mara Sugar is completely ignored. That’s unacceptable,” he added.Millions FKF expect from Harambee Stars’ first home game in 4 yearsWith their FKF Cup hopes dashed, the 12-time league champions now shift their focus entirely to the FKF Premier League, where they sit fifth with 36 points from 23 matches, nine points behind leaders Kenya Police, who have played a game more.AFC Leopards last lifted the league title in 1998 and won the FKF Cup in 2017. Their triumph in the cup saw them represent Kenya in the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup, marking their last appearance in continental football.Their ongoing struggles now stretch their absence from the continental stage to seven years.
