Harambee Stars skipper Abud Omar has come clean over the controversial incident with a match official during the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup in January.

Abud was involved in a violent scuffle with the referee after he squared off to the match official and grabbed a red card brandished against him. In a rather bizarre occurrence, moments later, the official was seen pulling a punch towards the defender, who appeared to be hurling words, as his teammates tried to restore calm by separating the two.

Videos of the ugly incident later made rounds on the internet, sparking a debate among Kenyan soccer fans, many bringing into question the conduct of the player then chosen by coach Francis Kimanzi as the national team skipper.

The experienced defender has, however, downplayed the incident, stating that he owned up to the misdeed.

“I understand I made a mistake and apologised. We have those who will accept my apology, and others may not, but the important thing is that I accepted my mistake. At the end of the day, I accepted that I made a mistake,” he said.

Abud’s confession comes days after he was announced as the team’s skipper for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) games slated for Saturday, August 2, 2025.

The seasoned defender, who made his national team bow in June 2023, was picked by Benni McCarthy to lead the team for the tournament.

Speaking after the confirmation, Abud shared the players’ readiness to get going. 

“These young players are ready; they have shown great quality with their performances in the league and will do a lot. CHAN is their stage. There will be scouts here watching, and maybe they’ll get a chance to make moves abroad as I have. That is the main target,” he stated.

The fullback will marshal a defensive department that also includes Gor Mahia duo Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino. Daniel Sakari, Siraj Mohammed, and Lewis Bandi of AFC Leopards.