By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Football’s world governing body FIFA have confirmed that they are reviewing South Africa’s appeal to replay their World Cup qualifier against Ghana, which they lost 1-0.
FIFA said in a statement: “FIFA has received a complaint from the South African FA in relation to this matter and will review it. Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage.”
South Africa made a “formal complaint” to FIFA after the match, appealing for a replay after a series of “questionable decisions”, according to the Chief Executive of South African Football Association Tebogo Motlanthe.
The Black Stars reached the African World Cup play-offs after they beat Bafana Bafana, which came after a controversial penalty was awarded.
Ghana’s Daniel Amartey went down in the box after minimal contact from defender Rushine de Reuck. Senegalese Referee Maguette Ndiaye awarded a penalty, which Andre Ayew scored to send Ghana through.
South Africa had only needed a draw to reach the third round of qualification for the 2022 World Cup.
Motlanthe explained that Safa has concerns over the legitimacy of both the decision and the display of the officiating team from Senegal, headed up by referee Ndiaye.
“We are very disheartened by their actions and we can’t let it destroy the players – when we have the chance to challenge, we will challenge,” he added.
“We feel very much robbed because it is not an isolated incident of a penalty. There are just a lot of questionable decisions by match officials and we will get an expert to dissect other incidents, so we can make a strong case.”
Bafana Bafana entered Sunday’s match on 13 log points in Group G to Ghana’a 10, and needed to avoid defeat to ensure progression to the next stage.