Kenya Gor Mahia deserved to beat Tusker with VAR – McKinstry

Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry has blamed poor officiating for the team’s 1-1 FKF Premier League draw against Tusker at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

In a hotly contested fixture, K’Ogalo failed to utilise the many chances they created and in the end, allowed the Brewers to remain on top of the 18-team table with 65 points.

However, while admitting a point was a fair outcome from the fixture, McKinstry has faulted officiating insisting had the fixture been officiated by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) the outcome could have been different in favour of his side.

Read Also: Tusker ready and motivated to beat Gor Mahia – Ojok

“I really have question marks with officiating and the VAR would have definitely intervened when my players were elbowed more than twice,” said McKinstry.

“It is unfortunate most of the tackles were left unnoticed and for example, if I bring Benson [Omalla] to you right now, you will see a scar from eyebrow down to the neck and shoulder, this is something the referee needed to check and intervene but he did not.

“Honestly, the instances deserved two red cards for Tusker players but again I know there are a lot of things we have to do in Kenya and I am not calling out on the referee, the two incidents denied us something from the game.”

The Northern Irish tactician, however, took issues with his players for not taking their chances.

“I must admit it was a very tight game because we both played very different styles but I am upset my players never used the good chances we created, we were not clinical and this denied us a win, but I can take a draw considering Tusker also played very well,” added McKinstry.

With three matches left to conclude the season, Tusker have a slim advantage as they are on 65 points, one more than K’Ogalo.

Tusker’s next three matches will see them face off with Wazito FC, Posta Rangers, and relegated Vihiga Bullets while Gor Mahia will face Ulinzi Stars, Kakamega Homeboyz, and Nairobi City Stars.


Dennis Mabuka

Dennis Mabuka is a seasoned Kenyan journalist with 18 years of experience covering sports events. He is currently a sport content creator with en.Africatopsports.com.

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