Bidco United coach expressed frustration after his team’s recent loss to AFC Leopards, accusing the referee of bias. The defeat ended his proud unbeaten record against Ingwe, a streak that had persisted for multiple seasons. In a post-match interview, the coach did not hold back, claiming that the officiating was below standard and suggesting that the referee’s decisions heavily influenced the outcome of the match.
Controversial Calls
The game was marked by several contentious decisions, the most glaring of which came in the second half when AFC Leopards were awarded a penalty. The Bidco coach vehemently disagreed with the call, arguing that the decision swung the momentum in favor of their opponents. He emphasized that his side had been competitive up to that point and suggested the penalty was undeserved. “It’s tough to play when the referee is against you,” he remarked after the game.
The penalty in question came after an alleged handball incident inside the Bidco box. While the AFC Leopards players were quick to protest and call for a penalty, the Bidco side was equally vocal in their opposition. Despite the protests, the referee pointed to the spot, and Leopards converted the opportunity to take the lead.
The Bidco coach’s frustrations were further compounded by what he saw as inconsistent officiating. He pointed to several instances where his team was denied fouls, including some key moments in the build-up to AFC Leopards’ goals. “We didn’t get the same treatment. Every time we attacked, there seemed to be a way to stop us, whether it was a foul or a questionable call,” he stated.
History with AFC Leopards
Bidco’s unbeaten run against AFC Leopards had been a point of pride for the coach and the team. The two teams have met several times in recent seasons, with Bidco often getting the better of the traditional Kenyan football giants. In fact, the coach had developed a reputation for being something of a “Leopards slayer,” managing to outwit the larger club on numerous occasions.
This loss, therefore, came as a bitter pill to swallow, especially under the circumstances in which the game unfolded. The coach’s disappointment was evident, not only because the streak had ended but also due to the manner in which it happened. He alluded to past meetings with AFC Leopards, noting that while they had always been competitive encounters, this particular match felt unfairly decided.
The Team’s Performance
Despite the loss, the Bidco coach did find positives in his team’s performance. He praised the players for their fighting spirit, noting that they had kept pace with AFC Leopards for much of the game. “We were the better team in the first half,” he claimed, highlighting Bidco’s early dominance in possession and chances created.
He also pointed out that his team had managed to nullify some of Leopards’ key attacking threats for large parts of the game. “They didn’t have many clear-cut chances. Our defense held firm, and our midfield was controlling the tempo,” the coach explained. However, he admitted that the controversial decisions eventually took the wind out of their sails.
Looking Forward
In his closing remarks, the Bidco coach urged his players to keep their heads up and focus on the next game. “We can’t let one bad game define us,” he said, emphasizing the importance of moving on from the loss. He also called for better officiating in future matches, insisting that referees need to be more consistent and fair in their decisions.
The defeat against AFC Leopards has certainly left a bitter taste, but the Bidco coach remains optimistic about the rest of the season. With the team still in a strong position in the league standings, he believes they can bounce back quickly and continue to challenge the bigger teams in the league.
As for his relationship with AFC Leopards, it remains to be seen whether this loss will mark a turning point in their rivalry or if Bidco will manage to regain their upper hand in future meetings. What is clear, though, is that the coach is determined not to let one controversial defeat define his team’s season.
