Starlerts fall to Ghana as referee’s decisions come into question

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Questions will be asked about the quality of officiating as Kenya’s Harambee Starlets were felled 3-1 by Ghana Black Queens on Sunday in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Limbe, Camerron.

A suspect penalty awarded to Ghana in the second half tilted the game in favour of Ghana whop ended up winning the game 3-1.

Cameroon referee Jeanne Ekoumou’s performance left so much to be desired and Kenya despite being outplayed by the experienced Ghana side will feel cheated by some of her calls, the penalty included.

Ekomou would award Kenya a penalty and later change her mind when the match at 2-1, the awarding was wrong and her decision to change her mind was also suspect.

Esse Akide had given Kenya the lead striking from close range to beat Asantewaa Ama Nana in the 27th minute.

Ghana had dominated the game with fluid passing but Kenya remained resilient from start through to half time only for the West Africans to restore parity four minutes from restart.

Esse Mbuyu Akida gave Kenya the lead after 24 minutes connecting a Wendy Achieng loop.

That goal gave Kenya some level of confidence and they started coming strongly into the game finding way into the Ghana area.

Meanwhile, Ghana pushed to get an equaliser but were often frustrated by the Kenya defence that had Irene Ogutu, Jacky Ogol, Doris Anyango and Lilian Adera.

But Kenya were top crack only four minutes into the second half, Samira Suleiman heading Elizabeth Addo’s free kick. The goal was a result of poor marking by the Kenyan defenders.

The came the controversial moment when the Cameroonian referee decided to award Ghana a suspect penalty. According to the referee, Irene Ogutu had handled the ball inside the box. Elizabetjhh Addo stepped up to score the resultant penalty.

There was further controversy in the 78th when the referee seemed to have pointed to the spot awarding Kenya a penalty only to change her mind and hand Ghana a goalkick.

That decision took away any slim fighting spirit Kenya had and Ghana went on to wrap up the game with a 90th minute goal from a Portia Boakye free kick.

Kenya next plays Mali who lost 0-6 to Nigeria in another group B game.

Line Ups: Kenya: Samantha Akinyi, Ann Aluoch, Wendy Achieng, Elizabeth Ambogo, Dorcas Shikobe, Caroline Anyango, Esse Akida, Cherise Avilia, Corazone Aquino, Christine Nafula, Mary Kinuthia.

Subs: Vivian Akinyi, Irene Ogutu, Jacky Ogol, Doris Anyango, Lilian Adera, Ogol Jacky, Lydia Akoth, Jepkirui Sharon Bushenei, Bundi Janet Moraa, Onyango Mercy Achieng

Ghana  Asantewaa Ama Nana, Adobea Grace, Regina Antwi, Linda Eshun, Janet Egyir, Juliet Acheampong, Alice Kusi, Priscila Okyere, Suleman Samira, Addo Elizabeth, Boakye Porti