Coast Media FC defender Brian Otieno in action in a past beach soccer tournament match at Nyali Beach, Mombasa. Photo by Mark Mutuku/Citizen Digital

Beach soccer stakeholders in Kilifi have expressed disappointment after Kenya withdrew from its Africa Cup of Nations Beach Soccer qualifier against Libya.

Shella Ward MCA and Kilifi Beach Soccer Club patron Twaheer Abdulkareem said the decision had frustrated players who had been preparing to represent the country.

“It is a huge disappointment for our young players. We want the Football Federation to explain why Kenya withdrew because this decision hurts players who were ready to represent the country,” said Abdulkareem.

Kilifi Beach Soccer Club team manager Shaib Said said players drawn from Lamu, Mombasa, Malindi and Kwale had been preparing for the fixture.

“We are deeply disappointed because the players had prepared for the match, but we do not know why the fixture was withdrawn. This is not the first time a Beach Soccer competition has been cancelled,” said Said.

The stakeholders are now calling on Football Kenya Federation to provide a clear explanation for Kenya’s withdrawal from the qualifier.