Football fans are still reeling from a recently circulated alleged match-fixing video involving former AFC Leopards goalkeeper Ezekiel Owade.
An undated video shared by whistleblower and Stadium Safety and Security Officer Kiarie Mbugua shows Owade allegedly agreeing to deliberately concede two goals during the first half of an unspecified match.
The footage appears to be either a self-recorded clip or a screen capture of a video call, in which the goalkeeper is heard saying,
“Hi, Owade here, keeper. I am ready for the job over the weekend, to concede two goals in the first half.”
This revelation has sparked outrage and heightened concerns about the integrity of Kenyan football. Neither the player, the clubs he has represented, nor the football federation have issued a statement regarding the alleged video.
Owade, who has played for Nakumatt FC, Bidco United, AFC Leopards, Muhoroni Youth FC, and Mara Sugar, was most recently unveiled by FKF National Super League side Mombasa United in March 2025. He was on the bench during their latest fixture against Kisumu All Stars.
This scandal comes on the heels of another high-profile case involving Harambee Stars veteran goalkeeper Patrick Matasi. In March, Matasi was suspended by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after a video surfaced online allegedly showing him discussing match-fixing.
The timing of Owade’s alleged involvement adds fuel to the fire, occurring just a day after FIFA expelled Muhoroni Youth FC from the National Super League and relegated them to Division One due to confirmed match manipulation.
“We are launching a full-scale war on match-fixing in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and all relevant authorities. We cannot allow this vice to undermine the progress we are making to uplift the game. Anyone found culpable will face the full consequences of their actions,” stated FKF General Secretary Harold Ndege.
The two cases, both involving goalkeepers, raise urgent questions about the extent of match-fixing in Kenyan football.
