Koops criticises City coach for protesting

By Gilbert Wandera

AFC Leopards coach Jaan Koops had rare criticism for his City Stars colleague on Friday night after his team controversially won 1-0 to go top of the Kenyan Premier League standings.

In a rare move, Koops hit out at Gideon Ochieng for protesting at the referee’s calls in a move that earned him a sit in the terraces after he was sent off from his bench.

“Losing coaches must learn to accept defeat. Ochieng’s behaviour was totally uncalled for. You win today and lose tomorrow and that is football,” said Koops after the match.

Leopards took the lead in the 21st minute after Mike Barasa scored from the penalty spot when Nicholas Ochieng was judged to have handled a Paul Were pass though numerous television replays showed the ball had not touched his hand.

Even as he criticised his colleague, Koops declined to say whether he believes his team deserved to get that penalty.

“I did not see it but the referee’s decision is final and we all must learn to accept it,” he said.

Ochieng hit back and said he does not mind losing so long as it is a fair result.

Accept defeat

“Today, it appears as if the referee came with a fixed mind that our opponents must win.

“It is hurting to lose this way considering the amount of time I have spent preparing this team all week.

“We always accept defeat but it has to be deserved. Today we were better than our opponents tactically, but were frustrated by the referee,” he said.

After scoring the goal, Leopards could have easily added two more before the end of the first half as they totally dominated proceedings.

Paul Were was a thorn in the City Stars defence, often sending dangerous crosses to his strikers. He should should have scored in the 32nd minute, but squared a Martin Imbalambala through pass.

City Stars enjoyed better ball possession in the entire second half and were unlucky not to have got a goal and even when referee James Kagera sent off Gideon Ochieng for protesting in the 70th minute, the Kawangware side still kept their cool and camped in their opponents half for long periods in search of an equaliser.

Leopards go top of the standings with 37points replacing champions Tusker, who have 36 points.