Reprieve for US-based Kenyan defender after red card

Kenyan and Sacramento Republic defender Nabi Kibunguchy received justice after his red card was rescinded by the United Soccer League (USL) Independent Review Panel.

The 23-year-old was handed his marching orders in the 2-0 defeat to Orange County on Sunday as Sacramento finished the game with nine men following another red card to Mitchell Taintor.

The referee sent Kibunguchy for an early shower in the third minute of the first-half added time when he drought down Brian Iloski who was through on goal.

USL released a statement noting that Dan Casey was indeed the last man before Kibunguchy made the last-ditch tackle.

“Sacramento Republic FC’s Nabi Kibunguchy will not serve a suspension following the rescindment of his red card for denial of a goalscoring opportunity against Orange County SC on July 10 after a successful appeal to the Independent Review Panel,”

“Kibunguchy will be available for selection when Sacramento faces Las Vegas Lights FC on Thursday night at Cashman Field,” read the statement.

The centre-back was picked in the Major Soccer League (MLS) Super Draft back in January by Minnesota United but was shipped out on loan to Sacramento Republic to get more experience.

Mitchell Taintor’s sending off was however upheld by the Independent Review Panel and was suspended one game following his red card for two cautionable offences against Orange County SC.

Kibunguchy will now be available for the next clash against Las Vegas Lights on Thursday 15 July.