Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has received support from his teammates following a howler which cost Kenya a precious point against Ghana in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match on Saturday night in Accra.
“You cannot judge Matasi by just one game. You have to look at what he has been doing for the past three seasons, the (2017) Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup comes to mind. He is a quality player and still the safest bet to lead Kenya to the Nations Cup,” said the team’s vice-captain Musa Mohammed.
The hosts scored the match winning goal in the 83rd minute through debutant Caleb Ekuban to edge out the gallant Kenyan side and finish top of the group.
Ekuban replaced Alhassan Wakaso at the hour mark and struck with a low drive which slipped under Matasi’s arms to send thousands of Ghanaian fans into jubilation.
Both Kenya and Ghana had already qualified for the Nations Cup ahead of the match in Accra.
“He is a very good goalkeeper, an experienced one for that matter, and the best we have at the moment. He contributed to our qualification to the Nations Cup and we know what he is capable of,” said striker Allan Wanga.
However, on social media a section of Kenyan fans openly blamed Matasi, who currently plays for top Ethiopian club Saint George.