FT: Uganda ?? 0 Ghana ?? 0
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ghana Football Association has lodged a protest with world soccer governing body FIFA protesting the refereeing in their World Cup qualifier against Uganda Saturday. They are demanding a replay.
The game ended in controversial fashion, as Ghana put the ball in the net but referee Daniel Bennet ruled the “goal” offside. The Ghanains protested, and at the post match press conference coach Kwasi Appiah was not impressed.
“Our goal was cancelled I do not know why. I do not like criticising referees but for the game to grow in Africa, we need good referees,” coach Appiah said.
Soon after, the Ghana FA lodged a protest with FIFA.
“GFA lodged a protest with FIFA over the performance of ref Daniel Bennett of South Africa and his assistants Eldrick Adelaideand Steve Marie from Seychelles during the 2018 WCQ v Uganda,” a statement posted on twitter said.
“Mr Bennett and assistants denied Ghana a perfect goal in the 93rd minute with television replays showing that it was a perfect goal,” the statement said, adding “the referee also denied Ghana a penalty earlier in the second-half when Ghana midfielder Frank Acheampong was brought down in the box.”
Ghana’s Black Stars needed a win to stay in contention for a place in the World Cup from Group E.
In football, the referee’s decision is final. The likely FIFA response can only be sanctions on the referee and linesman – after review of the videos.
Initial analysis of the video indicates the linesman waving offside long before the “goal” was scored.
1. For Immediate Release – 7th October, 2017
Ghana FA lodges FIFA protests over referee in World Cup qualifier in Uganda. pic.twitter.com/OtdrPAmZXP
— Ghana FA ?? (@ghanafaofficial) October 7, 2017
Ghana has six points in the group while Egypt lead with nine points and Uganda are second with eight.
Even if Ghana had won, victory for Egypt Sunday against Congo will hand them a place in the 2018 World Cup finals.
Goalkeeper Dennis Onyango slammed the poor state of the pitch, saying it played a big part in the result. He also blamed the poor pitch for the ball that hit him, went back into play in added time and was scored but disallowed for offside.
“How can the national team play a crucial match on a village pitch. It shows how seriously we take the national team,” he said.
Mandela National Stadium hosted a crusade two days before the game.
DRAW: Uganda ?? 0 Ghana ?? 0 , Egypt one step to 2018 World Cup. #WCQ https://t.co/FAfNnJEUSB pic.twitter.com/UzXxszYmem
— The Independent (@UGIndependent) October 7, 2017
Ghana’s controversial goal scored in stoppage time against @UgandaCranes. Do you think the goal would have stood or rightly cancelled? ? pic.twitter.com/0qazmeZjBR
— Kawowo Sports (@kawowosports) October 7, 2017
#WCQ: Make or break for Uganda Cranes vs Ghana https://t.co/guZntBovZE pic.twitter.com/1vglHc5Wxw
— The Independent (@UGIndependent) October 5, 2017
#WCQ: Depleted Ghana squad prepares to face Uganda https://t.co/LgksxATfzy pic.twitter.com/xTpMAyfBm4
— The Independent (@UGIndependent) October 5, 2017
#Ghana goal denied by ref.banette was corrupt ,Ghana was winner and there should be a replay,,we will protest
Ghana still will qualify,,,,
We don’t need this sought of things in african football.The reaction of the ugandan defender and the goal keeper should tell you whether the goal was a perfect goal or not.Referee Bennet and the assistant referee have blood on their hands.They should suffer the fate of the Ghanaian referee who was also involved in that match manipulation in South Africa.Shame on referee Bennet and the assistant.Shame again
Appalling decision from the Lino. Both Ghana strikers were onside on the edge of the penalty area when the initial shot is hit. Look where the idiot signals the offside is. On the edge of the 6 yard box!!