Ghana’s Black Queens coach, Bashir Hayford slammed refereeing decisions for his side’s 2-1 defeat to Mali in the ongoing 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
Bassira Toure struck the opener from the penalty spot on 25 minutes after she was adjudged to have been fouled by goalkeeper Patricia Mantey in Ghana’s penalty area. The Black Queens similarly pulled level via skipper Elizabeth Addo in the 70th minute before Toure again pounced on the ball to restore the lead after the Ghanaian shot-stopper failed to parry the ball to safety.
Speaking in his post-match conference at the Accra Sports Stadium, coach Bashir Hayford believed eSwatini referee Letticia Antonella Viana set out to “frustrate” his players and succeeded.
“It wasn’t an easy match at all but I will say that about 80 per cent was played by the referee,” he stated.
“I don’t normally talk about referees but referees do frustrate players. And I think the referee succeeded in frustrating our players.
“All the same, I don’t want to take anything away from the Malians but I think on the field of play, we played about 65 to 70% and the referee added whatever she wanted to add.
“I don’t want to complain too much but that is my side of the story,” Hayford added.
Referee Viana was booed by disgruntled home fans who felt she was unfair and wanted to be the centre of attention as majority of her calls went against the Black Queens.
Host nation Ghana now find themselves in a must-win situation coming up against one of the tournaments favourites Cameroon who have secured 100% record in their two games. They come up against each other at 16:00 GMT in Accra on Friday, November 23.
