South Africa FA drags Ghana to FIFA

South Africa’s Football Association (SAFA) has reportedly lodged an official complaint with the world’s football governing body, FIFA, to look into the performance of Senegalese referee Maguette N’Diaye, who officiated Bafana Bafana’s 0-1 loss to the Black Stars.

The referee handed Ghana a penalty 13 minutes before recess, which Andre Ayew converted it with perfection after Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey was fouled in the box.

Consequently, the Senegalese referee booked Rushine de Reuck who was involved in the incident.

SAFA’s CEO Tebogo Motlanthe in a voice note posted on SAFA’s social media accounts, confirmed that the association would be taking further action.

He said, “The association has decided to lodge a formal complaint so that the conduct of the match officials is closely investigated by both FIFA and CAF.”

He added, “But we will be having a press conference that will be telling the nation what will happen going forward.”

Indications are that SAFA primarily seek to nullify the outcome of Sunday’s game and order a replay at a neutral venue at a future date.

South Africa finished second in their qualifying table behind Ghana on goal difference, with both teams amassing 13 points in total.

The Black Stars now progress to the African play-offs. They will join DR Congo, Egypt, Mali, Morocco and Senegal hoping to seal a coveted place in Qatar.

The ten group winners play five two-legged ties to decide the African representation for Qatar and the remaining four group winners will be decided today.

South Africa are yet to appear at a World Cup since hosting the 2010 edition, where they were eliminated in the group stage.