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Ayub Timbe gets lengthy ban, fined heavily by Caf


Harambee Stars will miss the services of Ayub Timbe in their next three matches of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign after the forward was banned and fined heavily by Confederation of African Football (Caf).

On Thursday, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) explained that the China-based player has been handed a three-match ban and slapped with with a Sh1 million fine over an altercation with a match official during Kenya’s 2-1 loss to Sierra Leone in theses qualifiers in September 2017.

FKF however termed the development as a ‘big blow’ for the team while the player expressed his disappointment with Caf’s ruling.

“I’m disappointed with the verdict. As a player, I have always endeavored to adhere to the laws of the game both off and on the pitch and it pains me to be denied the chance to represent my country at this crucial period when we are trying to qualify for the 2019 Afcon,” said Timbe.

APPEALING

“This notwithstanding, is that however much I don’t agree with the verdict, I respect the decision by CAF and I will not be appealing against it,” he added.

It is not clear, however, if Timbe was accorded a trial or offered an opportunity to state his side of the story.

As a result, Timbe has been ruled out of Kenya’s must-win match against Ghana in September.

In total, the pacy attacker will sit out three games, including two other matches at home and away to Ethiopia.

Clifton Miheso, Paul Were, Samuel Onyango and Ovella Ochieng are primed to fill in Timbe’s position.