RENEWED HOPE: Caf awards Kenya six points
Harambee Stars’ chances of playing at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations have received a big boost, after the team was awarded six points it recently lost to Guinea Bissau.
This after the tiny West African nation was docked points for fielding two ineligible players in the games against Stars last week.
Confirming the decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) media liaison officer Junior Binyam said the decision had been reached as per the rule book.
“This is the simplest mistake to punish because the rules are that you cannot field players who are either suspended or are not allowed to play for one reason or the other. The law and punishments are very clear,” Binyam told Nairobi News.
According to CAF records, Bissau keeper Jonas Mendes wasn’t supposed to have played against Kenya because he had already been booked twice in the earlier games of this competition. He, however, didn’t serve his one match ban.
ELIGIBLE PLAYER
Still, Picket Djassi who made his debut in the away clash was not eligible to participate because the processing of his nationality from Portuguese to Guinea Bissau has not been formalized.
Thus, Kenya now goes top of Group E with seven points in three matches. Harambee Stars lead both Zambia and the Republic of Congo by a single point with two games remaining. Guinea Bissau are relegated to last place with a single point.
Only the top placed finishers are guaranteed automatic qualification to feature at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“This is great news. We are happy with the stroke of luck that has come our way. We will take full advantage of this to correct our mistakes and play well in the remaining two games, so as to qualify for the Afcon, Stars coach Stanley Okumbi pointed out.
This news is certain to be received positively by a majority of the ardent football fans in the country.
Editor’s Note: This was Fools’ Day prank. Guinea Bissau have not been docked points. We hope you enjoyed!
