FIFA begins investigation into Ghana-South Africa match
World football governing body, FIFA has launched an investigation into the match between the Black Stars of Ghana and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa which took place on Sunday that ended in a 1-0 win for the former courtesy of a 33rd-minute penalty goal scored by Andre Ayew.
Safa earlier yesterday through its CEO, Tebogo Monthlante made it clear that it intends to launch an appeal at FIFA and CAF with the hope of getting the match replayed. As he indicated, they had already informed the match commissioner after the game that they are going to launch an appeal.
Tebogo Monthlante stated that “We will be writing to both [Confederation of African Football] Caf and Fifa – firstly to investigate how the game was handled and secondly to challenge some of these decisions”.
The Black Stars need just a one-goal win to advance and that came courtesy of a penalty that was earned in the 31st minute when Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey went to the ground will in the box to attack a Ghana corner kick. He was adjudged by Senegalese referee, Maguette Ndiaye to have been pushed by Rushine de Reuck while they tussled for the ball in the box.
“FIFA has received a complaint from the South African FA in relation to this matter and will review it. Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage,” FIFA said.
This will not be the first time the football governing body will take such direction having prior to the last world cup handled a case that also coincidentally involved South Africa who lost the replay against Senegal.
It is unknown when the decision will be ready and what the outcome will be but as it stands there is still time for a replay with the qualifiers set to conclude in March 2022.
By: Clifford Adumbire | myactiveonline.com
