‘Referees don’t like me’ – Harambee Stars defender laments ‘unfair’ bookings

The US-based defender has complained about the number of yellow cards he has received so far, which he considers excessive despite the few fouls committed.

Harambee Stars defender Nabi Kibunguchy has complained about the number of bookings he has received this season at his club Orlando City.

Kibunguchy was part of Orlando City B’s starting X1 in their 3-1 win over the New York Red Bulls in US League One on Thursday morning and was among four players from his team who were booked.

This is the defender’s third yellow card of the season, and the second in a row, in the colors of Orlando City B, which did not please him because he believes he was unfairly warned, given the few fouls that he committed.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga was among the goals as Al Duhail claimed victory in the Emir Cup round of 16 to remain in contention for a trophy after a difficult 2023-24 campaign.

“At this point I think the referees don’t like me just because. 3 fouls all year so far and 3 yellows,” Kibunguchy complained on social media.

With playing time in Orlando City’s senior team hard to come by for Kibunguchy, he was forced to contend with stints with the second-string team while awaiting his MLS opportunities.

Despite the worries, Kibunguchy had a good night when Shak Mohammed put Orlando ahead in the second minute before Yutaro Tsukada made it 2-0 four minutes later and the Japanese would put the result away. doubt in 34 minutes with his second and third goals for the team.

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama enjoyed a rare start for his club as he was included in the starting X1 in CF Montreal’s Canadian Cup quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.

New York scored the consolation via the penalty spot through Ibrahim Kasule in the 56th minute after a foul by Mohammed Sofo in the area.

“Solid win today from the boys. » » said Kibunguchy after the match.

The 26-year-old hopes to continue to get minutes in his legs ahead of Harambee Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast next month.

St Mirren will be without the Kenyan striker for the remainder of the season while Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat hopes he will recover ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Kibunguchy made his Harambee Stars debut as a late substitute for Johnstone Omurwa in Kenya’s 5-0 win over Seychelles in November.

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