Kenya goalkeeper is accused of match fixing in 4-1 defeat by Cameroon because the nation’s soccer federation launch investigation amid weird targets
- The game contributed to Kenya failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations
- Three questionable goals have led to an investigation into keeper being triggered
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Kenya goalkeeper Patrick Matasi is being investigated for match fixing following a bizarre performance in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Matasi, 37, has played 26 times for Kenya, and lined up from the start of their 4-1 defeat by Cameroon back in October, which was a group stage match to qualify for this year’s competition.
Things went sour, with the likes of Brentford‘s Bryan Mbeumo on the scoresheet as a team featuring the likes of Andre Onana and Carlos Baleba ran riot.
Some of the goals, however, raised eyebrows, and manager Engin Firat resigned immediately after the game.
It has been reported, however, by Marca, that Matasi is said to have been contacted by an anonymous caller to discuss a ‘plan’ for the match.
An investigation into Matasi’s role in the game has now started, with the Football Kenya Federation appealing for any information anyone may have.
Kenya goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been accused of match fixing with an investigation underway
The 37-year-old has played 26 times for his country and his performance against Cameroon late last year is being looked into
Eyebrows were first raised when he appeared to dive out of the way of an effort to make it 2-0
The first goal appeared to have nothing wrong with it, with Vincent Aboubakar slotting in a penalty awarded to his side following handball. Matasi dived the wrong way.
Martin Hongla made it 2-0 on 39 minutes, and eyebrows were raised when Matasi appeared to move out the way of the ball for what would have been a simple save.
Then, after Michael Olunga pulled a goal back, Mbeumo scored at the back post, with `Matasi failing to even dive to try and stop the ball.
The fourth goal, scored by Christian Bassogog 12 minutes later, saw the goalkeeper go out to gather a ball before Bassogog ran in, getting there first, and tapping into an open net.
Kenya have now launched an investigation, and Matasi was left out of new manager Benni McCarthy’s first squad.
The Football Kenya Federation released a statement on Thursday, posting: ‘The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is aware of videos circulating online involving goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, raising concerns about possible match manipulation.
‘FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities. We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions.
‘This investigation will adhere to FKF’s Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations and FIFA guidelines, ensuring a fair, transparent, and thorough process. The rights of the player and his club will be respected, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
He then failed to dive to try and prevent Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo from scoring a third
He was then beaten to the ball by Christian Bassogog, who slotted into an open goal
The Football Kenya Federation have appealed for any information in an official statement
‘We encourage anyone with credible information to assist in this investigation. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality. Information can be submitted via integrity@footballkenya.org.
‘FKF will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.’
