A more than controversial penalty whistle has given Ghana a place in the play-offs in African World Cup qualifying and prematurely shattered South Africa’s World Cup dream.
The decisive scene of the crucial qualifying duel, which Ghana had entered three points behind, played out in the 31st minute: After a corner by St. Pauli’s Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Leicester City’s Daniel Amartey went down theatrically in the penalty area – a rather pitiful attempt to scare a penalty. But it was successful. Referee Maguette Ndiaye (Senegal) pointed to the spot, much to the dismay of the South Africans, even though it was hard to see any contact with Rushine De Reuck with the naked eye. Since VAR is not used in African World Cup qualifying, the decision stood.
Captain André Ayew (Swansea City), in his 100th international match, converted the 1-0 winner to give Ghana first place in the tight qualifying Group G on the basis of more goals scored with the same number of points (13) and the same goal difference (+4). Even more bitterly for the South Africans, the corner that resulted in the highly controversial penalty kick should never have been awarded.
South Africa to lodge protest – precedent set from 2018 World Cup qualifiers?
The South African FA announced its intention to lodge a protest with the African Football Confederation (CAF) and FIFA. It is not just about the penalty decision, as managing director Tebogo Mothlante explained on Monday: “We feel cheated because it was not just the penalty. There were many questionable decisions by the officials.”
It would not be the first time a World Cup qualifier was replayed in Africa – as the South Africans themselves know best. In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, FIFA ordered the replay of South Africa’s clash with Senegal (2-1) because they felt the Ghanaian referee had manipulated the match. The stipulation went 2-0 to Senegal, who flew to Russia. It is precisely in this precedent that the South Africans now see their chance. Whether the protest has a chance of success, however, is uncertain.
Four tickets not yet allocated – Three direct duels for group victory
As of now, however, Ghana are moving into the play-offs for tickets to the 2022 World Cup in controversial fashion. The ten group winners will decide the five African places for Qatar among themselves. Besides Ghana, DR Congo also advanced on Sunday with a 2-0 win over previous leaders Benin. Egypt, Mali, Morocco and Senegal have been confirmed as the other play-off participants so far.
The remaining decisions will be made on Tuesday. The suspense is guaranteed: Algeria and Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Cape Verde as well as Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon face each other in direct duels for first place. Tunisia and Equatorial Guinea are in a long-distance duel.
