The FKF Premier League clash between Ulinzi Stars and Shabana FC ended in chaos on Sunday, as fans vandalized property and assaulted a security officer in the aftermath of a dramatic late equalizer.
The incident, which took place at the Ulinzi Complex, highlighted the ugly side of football, overshadowing an otherwise thrilling encounter on the pitch.
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The game kicked off with high intensity as Staphod Odhiambo gave Ulinzi Stars the perfect start, breaking the deadlock five minutes from a sumptuous Yakeen Mutheli cross. Shabana responded in kind through Mathew Tegisi, who found the back of the net with a header in the 45th minute from a good freekick delivered by Nyangwara Maasai.
The second half saw Shabana take control, and Tegisi completed his brace with a well-timed header in the 64th minute assisted by Cliff Nyakeya from a corner, to put the Glamour Boys ahead. Shabana looked set to claim an important away victory, but Ulinzi Stars had other ideas. Deep into stoppage time, Telena Ochieng’ swung in a corner that was met by Glen Wafula’s header, securing a dramatic 2-2 equalizer for the home side.
However, the late equalizer sparked outrage among a section of Shabana fans, who accused the officials of biased refereeing. The frustration boiled over at the final whistle, with fans engaging in acts of hooliganism. Seats were ripped from the stands and hurled onto the pitch and track, damaging sections of the Ulinzi Complex.
The situation escalated when a security personnel tried to intervene, only to face the wrath of the agitated supporters. One security officer was hit by a seat on the face, raising serious concerns about stadium safety and fan behaviour.
In a bid to restore order, police were forced to fire teargas into the air, eventually dispersing the unruly crowd.
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