Kenya’s football scene has been rocked by allegations surrounding goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, who is now under investigation for suspected match-fixing.
The controversy stems from his performance in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Cameroon, where Kenya suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat.
Suspicious Performance Raises Questions
Matasi, a 37-year-old goalkeeper with 26 international caps, was Kenya’s starting keeper in the October fixture that ended in disappointment.
The match featured notable players like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, alongside Cameroon stars Andre Onana and Carlos Baleba, who played key roles in Kenya’s defeat.
Several of the goals conceded during the match appeared unusual, prompting concern.
One particularly questionable moment occurred when Matasi seemed to intentionally move away from a routine save opportunity.
These incidents raised suspicion, ultimately leading to manager Engin Firat resigning immediately after the match.
Anonymous Call and Alleged ‘Plan’
Reports from Marca claim that Matasi was allegedly contacted by an anonymous individual before the match to discuss a potential ‘plan’ for the game.
This revelation has intensified scrutiny around the goalkeeper’s involvement.
Football Kenya Federation’s Response
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has launched an official investigation into the matter.
FKF urged anyone with credible information to come forward, ensuring all reports would be handled with strict confidentiality.
The organization emphasized its commitment to upholding football’s integrity, working alongside FIFA, CAF, and other authorities.
In their statement, FKF underscored their zero-tolerance stance on match manipulation, promising a transparent and fair investigation that respects the rights of both Matasi and his club.
Key Moments in the Controversial Match
The match’s turning points added fuel to the allegations.
While Cameroon’s first goal—a penalty scored by Vincent Aboubakar—showed no signs of wrongdoing, other moments raised doubts.
Matasi’s questionable positioning allowed Martin Hongla to score a seemingly preventable goal.
Later, as Kenya attempted a comeback through Michael Olunga’s goal, Matasi failed to react to Mbeumo’s strike at the back post.
The final blow came when Christian Bassogog tapped into an empty net after Matasi’s failed attempt to gather the ball.
These moments contributed to growing concerns about possible match manipulation.
What Lies Ahead
Following the incident, Matasi was excluded from new Kenya manager Benni McCarthy’s first squad selection.
FKF has vowed to keep the public informed as the investigation develops.
For those with credible information regarding the case, FKF encouraged submissions via integrity@footballkenya.org to ensure a comprehensive and transparent inquiry.