Okidi shields goalkeeper from blame despite two big blunders in draw against Bomet
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 26.01.26. | 08:30
Despite the goalkeeper’s involvement in two of the goals conceded, Okidi was adamant that blame should not be pinned on one individual
Shabana FC head coach Peter Okidi has leapt to the defence of goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng following his side’s dramatic 3-3 draw against FKF Premier League debutants APS Bomet, staged at Kericho Green Stadium.
The Kisii-based outfit endured a chaotic afternoon that saw them surrender a two-goal advantage late on, despite appearing to have the contest firmly under control.
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Shabana’s troubles began almost immediately, conceding inside the opening minute after a goalkeeping error handed the hosts an early lead.
Ochieng failed to hold on to Philemon Nyakwaka’s baby shot, allowing the ball to slip through his hands and roll over the line.
To their credit, Shabana regrouped and restored parity just before the half-hour mark through youngster Brian Olega, who marked his first league start in style.
The forward struck again two minutes after the restart to complete his brace.
Momentum appeared to be firmly with Shabana when Harambee Stars forward Brian Michira extended the advantage 25 minutes from time, a goal that looked to have put the contest beyond the reach of the newcomers.
However, APS Bomet mounted a spirited late comeback.
Substitute Philip Wasai pulled one back with a close-range finish in the second half, before Lawrence Kibet completed the turnaround nine minutes from time with a teasing volley that Ochieng misjudged while attempting to tip it clear.
Despite the goalkeeper’s involvement in two of the goals conceded, Okidi was adamant that blame should not be pinned on one individual.
“His reaction after conceding was a positive sign, he immediately took the ball to the centre circle for the restart.
“He has been great for us and carried us through many matches. Mistakes happen in football, and this was a collective error. I cannot single out the goalkeeper because even the defender near the ball switched off for a moment. It’s unfortunate, but it’s something we will work on as a team.” Okidi said in a post-match interview with Azam TV.
The former Kakamega Homeboyz and Nakuru Bucks tactician also issued an apology to the Shabana faithful, who were visibly frustrated by the late collapse.
“We understand the fans are disappointed and we apologise. They wanted all three points and we had them, but lost them at the end. We urge them to continue supporting us and not abandon the team,” he added.
Okidi, however, took positives from the encounter, highlighting Shabana’s extended unbeaten run and an improved attacking display.
“It was a positive result in the sense that we extended our unbeaten streak and scored goals, something we had struggled with previously.”
Okidi too reserved special praise for youngster Olega, who announced himself with a clinical brace in only his second appearance for the club.
“Olega is a young attacker with a lot of promise. This was his first start and he scored two beautiful goals. He showed he deserves more minutes and he will certainly feature more in the coming matches.” Okidi lauded.
Although the draw saw Shabana drop two vital points, the result lifted them to third place on 28 points, leapfrogging Kakamega Homeboyz.
