AFCON 2015: Fears over referee bias against Ghana in Equatorial Guinea clash after Tunisia ordeal
Fear has gripped Ghanaian fans ahead of 2015 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against host Equatorial Guinea over perceived referee bias decisions following Tunisia’s ordeal.
The Central African side, who parachuted into becoming emergency host of the tournament following the withdrawal of Morocco, secured their passage to the last four under controversial circumstances.
They beat Tunisia 2-1 on Saturday but the game ended in carnage with referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn taken centre stage for his perceived bias officiating against the North African side.
It was a scene of chaos and pandemonium after the referee inexplicably gave a penalty to the host nation which proved crucial in the famous win.
The Mauritian referee was chased from the pitch by the Tunisian players after Javier Balboa had won the game for the home side, with one player aiming a kick at the official.
Tunisia coach Georges Leekens accused the referee of ‘forcing’ his side’s controversial defeat to the host and claimed they (referees) will win the crown for the side.
There are fears such poor refereeing decisions to favour the home side could befall the Black Stars on Thursday.
However, global eyes will be on the match official selected for the crucial tie in Malabo as another bias officiating to favour the host will cast a shadow on the competition.
Ghana are the overwhelming favourite to advance to their first final since 2010 against a side which is ranked 118 in the world.
They had been eliminated from qualifying after fielding an ineligible player, only hired coach Esteban Becker 11 days before the tournament and gave five players debuts in a pre-tournament friendly.
However they qualified from Group A thanks to victory over Gabon in their final game to reach their second quarter-final.
Ghana on the other had turned their campaign around after their 1-0 win over Algeria in their second group game, followed it up with a famous 2-1 win over South Africa to top group C.
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