The Gambia have issued a strong statement condemning what they describe as “abhorrent officiating by Burkinabe referee Boukari Ouedraogo” in their Wafu Cup of Nations knockout clash with hosts Ghana.
The Scorpions exited the competition after losing 1-0 to the Black Stars at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Saturday.
The tournament opener looked to be heading for penalty shoot-outs before referee Ouedraogo pointed to the spot for a handball against Matarr Ceesay.
The call, in the 96th minute was vehemently challenged by the Gambians for over three minutes before calm was restored for defender Vincent Atingah to elect himself and slot home the penalty for the Black Stars.
Now, The Gambia FA has officially registered their displeasure citing the latest incident as the second time they have been “robbed” in a Wafu competition.
“Considering the fact that this is the second consecutive time that we were robbed in broad daylight in a Wafu competition, the GFF therefore, shall formerly protest to Wafu and Caf for necessary action.
“We may also consider our participation in future Wafu competitions unless justice is seen to be done,” parts of a release by the GFF states.
Read full statement below:
“The Gambia Football Federation wishes to express our disappointment in the strongest possible terms in the manner in which the Ghana Vs The Gambia match was decided. A non-existent penalty robbed the Scorpions and secured Ghana a place in the group stages of the competition.
In this regard, the GFF wish to condemn the abhorrent officiating by the Burkinabe referee, Boukari Ouedraogo, who after giving several contentious decisions against our team and with the game heading to the penalty kicks and in the 99th minute, awarded a non-existent penalty to the home side.
This decision by the referee prompted a Ghanaian news site, Joy Online, to write in its post-match report: With 5 minutes of time added on and the game heading for the lotteries of penalty, a single kick from the spot was rather used to decide the game. Referee adjudged The Gambia defender to have handled the ball in the box, a decision which is even being disputed by the [Ghanaian] supporters.
Considering the fact that this is the second consecutive time that we were robbed in broad daylight in a Wafu competition, the GFF therefore, shall formerly protest to Wafu and Caf for necessary action. We may also consider our participation in future Wafu competitions unless justice is seen to be done.
In conclusion therefore, the GFF would wish to commend the spirited performance of the Scorpions in keeping the adversary at bay. We also wish to commend the efforts of the Head Coach Omar K. Sise, the Technical Team, the Players and the entire delegation.”
The Wafu Cup which began on Saturday is scheduled to end on September 24.
