Patrick Matasi: Harambee Stars Goalkeeper Reflects on Historic Penalty Save From Sadio Mane

• Patrick Matasi has spoken about his AFCON penalty save against Senegal
• The Kenyan keeper saved Sadio Mane's penalty with the game locked at 0-0
• Matasi has called for on-field action in the country for achieving success

Kenyan football fans are buzzing with excitement and nostalgia with the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 tournament set to kick off on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

They remember Harambee Stars' senior goalkeeper, Patrick Matasi's stellar performance in the 2019 AFCON tournament in Egypt.

Matasi saved Sadio Mane’s penalty in the 29th minute in a group-stage match against Senegal in the 2019 tournament, with the tie still locked at 0-0.

Despite Kenya’s 3-0 loss in Egypt, keeper Matasi made a series of crucial saves that kept Harambee Stars in the match, as reported by Goal.

In an exclusive interview with Sports Brief, Matasi shared his thoughts and feelings about saving a penalty from a Liverpool player who had just won the UEFA Champions League.

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I knew at the time I was not a known goalkeeper worldwide. I knew if I saved the penalty of a Liverpool player and Champions League winner, I would now be a notable goalkeeper. It felt good to save the penalty at the time, even though the team lost the game; it really improved my confidence," Matasi stated with humility.

Reflecting on Harambee Stars' progress from the 2019 AFCON to the present, Matasi acknowledged the challenges faced by the team due to the FIFA ban.

"The FIFA ban really harmed Harambee Stars in terms of progress. It would be unfair to judge their progress up to now. However, the team remained together and performed to their best level," he said.

Afcon predictions

When asked about his predictions for the AFCON 2023 winner, the goalkeeper expressed his belief in Senegal and Egypt reaching the final.

"I have Senegal and Egypt for the final again. Senegal has a very quality squad with players all over Europe’s top five leagues, and Egypt will be looking to hand their legend, Mohamed Salah, a trophy finally…" the goalkeeper explained.

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Looking ahead to Kenya co-hosting AFCON 2027, Matasi provided valuable insights into what the organizing committees and the Kenyan government should prioritize, stressing the Field of Play and even referring to an IFAB rule.

"The most important thing to focus on is the Field of Play. The playing surface from the training grounds to the official playing pitches has to be pristine. It helps when you train on the same surface you will play on. Players should experience quality playing surfaces from training, similar to those they use in big tournaments. International Football Association Board (IFAB) laws on the Field of Play talk extensively about what the Field of Play should be. The rest will come once the field of play for Kenyan players is worked on," Matasi explained.

Regarding whether he will be available for Kenya co-hosting AFCON in 2027, Matasi assured fans he intends to participate. Despite focusing on the Tusker FC FKF premier league season, Matasi's commitment to representing Kenya internationally remains unwavering.

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Tusker FC continue their outstanding form in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, coming off the back of a 5-0 away win over seventh-placed KCB Football Club at the Police Sacco Stadium.

Stadiums in Kenya renovated

Sports Brief in December last year reported when the Kasarani Stadium closed for major renovations in preparation for the 2027 AFCON.

The ceremony was presided over by Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, Sports Principal Secretary, Peter Tum, and Defence Principal Secretary, Patrick Mariru.

The Ministry seeks to align with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recommendations and fulfil its Sports Infrastructure Master Plan.