Drama as Referee John Sulwe Attacked, Kariobangi Sharks Vs Mombasa United Abandoned

The FKF promotion-relegation playoff between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United was abandoned after chaotic scenes erupted at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday October 6

The second-leg match was stopped after Mombasa United were awarded a disputed penalty, with the aggregate score standing at 3-3. Tensions boiled over following the penalty decision, with supporters storming the pitch in protest.

The referee, Johns Sulwe, was reportedly attacked by Kariobangi Sharks players and fans after awarding the penalty to Mombasa United. The incident forced the match officials to halt proceedings as chaos spread across the pitch.

KDF Officers Intervene

KDF officers were called in to restore order after the situation escalated. The officers reportedly intervened to rescue a police officer caught up in the chaos as players, fans and security personnel struggled to contain the situation.

Videos and posts from the stadium showed supporters on the pitch as the situation deteriorated.

One post on X stated: “Game stops after a controversial penalty awarded to Mombasa United.”

Another reaction described the scenes as unacceptable, saying the behaviour had “absolutely no place in modern football.”

Also Read:Gor Mahia Face FKF Disciplinary Action Over Super Cup Supporters’ Chaos

Kariobangi Sharks Match Abandoned

The game was eventually abandoned following the disorder at Ulinzi Sports Complex.

The two teams had entered the second leg with the promotion-relegation playoff still undecided, and the aggregate score had reached 3-3 before the disputed penalty sparked the confrontation.

The playoff is expected to determine which side plays in the 2026/27 FKF Premier League and which team drops to the National Super League.

Also Read:FKF Launches Mentorship Programme for National Teams Led by Football Legends

Mombasa United Won First Leg

The playoff came after a prolonged dispute over Kenya’s promotion and relegation regulations.

Kariobangi Sharks, who finished 16th in the top flight, and Mombasa United, who finished third in the National Super League, eventually agreed to settle the matter through a two-legged playoff following mediation by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

The agreement was reached on September 24, with the first leg scheduled for Mombasa and the return leg in Nairobi. Mombasa United won the first leg 2-1 at Mbaraki Sports Club on October 1.

Dennis Mabeya opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute before Waziri Junior doubled Mombasa United’s lead eight minutes later.

Kariobangi Sharks pulled one back through Wayne Delvine Otieno in the 83rd minute, leaving Mombasa United with a 2-1 advantage heading into the second leg.

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Photo collage of Kariobangi Sharks playing against Mombasa United for the playoffs at Mbaraki Sports Club on October 1,2026
PHOTO/Kariobangi Sharks/X