GHANA’S PENALTY AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA: Amartey went down easily – Asamoah Gyan
Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan thinks Daniel Amartey ‘went down too easily to win Ghana’s penalty against South Africa.
Andre Ayew converted the resultant spot-kick brilliantly to secure a 1-0 win that confirmed Ghana’s place in the final qualifying round for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar earlier this month.
Leicester City defender Amartey was impeded in the box by defender Rushine De Reuck in the 32nd minute. Senegalese referee Ndiaye Maguette, who was close to the action, didn’t hesitate but to award a penalty to the hosts.
But Gyan seems to disagree with the contentious decision by the referee, as he shared his thought about the incident that has landed at FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee following a protest by South African FA.
“The cameras in the stadium weren’t enough but those on the field of play are in a better position to make a judgment on it. But, to me, the infringement looked very casual,” Gyan is reported by Ghanasportsonline.com to have said on Asempa FM.
“The player went down very easily but the referee was very very close to the incident so he can make his decision on the field but for me and where I sit, I think Amartey went down too easily. I’m just expressing my opinion but those on the field of play can make a better judgment. I think it was a 50-50 decision.”
“The game was also played under high-intensity pressure and that could also affect the decision of the referee,” he added.
South Africa’s FA says the match was manipulated in favour of Ghana by the officials, with the penalty decision forming part of their complaint.
South Africa needed a draw to progress while Ghana knew any kind of win would be enough to take them through to the play-offs.
South Africa is seeking a match replay but Ghana FA insists Black Stars won fairly and have urged FIFA to dismiss the protest and instead hand South Africa a severe fine.
Source: 3News
