The return match of the CAN 2013 qualifiers between Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic continues to be embroiled in controversy.
The president of the Central African Football Federation has formally requested CAF to invalidate the result of the match.
Willy Kongo, the manager of the Central African Republic national team, expressed his grievances in an interview with Afrik-Foot, particularly focusing on the refereeing. Here are excerpts from his statements:
- “We don’t blame Burkina Faso for anything. We blame the match referee who officiated this match very poorly. You have to have seen the match to get a real idea of the fouls, offsides, and penalties.”
- “For us, there was a penalty given, leaving 5 minutes of added time in the first half. Afterwards, he scored 5 again in the second half, even though there were no real stoppages in play.”
- “The worst was in the 2nd half because he let the match drag on until Burkina Faso scores, because they needed a 3rd goal to qualify. As soon as Burkina Faso scored, there was a mock restart of the match. He let it play for a few seconds and then blew the whistle for the end of the match. The impression we had was that he wanted Burkina Faso to win. It was blatant and as big as a house, even the Burkinabé journalists agreed on this point.”
- “The referee did everything for Burkina Faso to pass and qualify.”
- “We hope for a reaction from CAF in relation to all the facts reported. Afterwards, if it does not invalidate the goal, at least there should be a commission linked to the refereeing which watches the match and which takes a serious look at the refereeing of Mr. Al Ahrach. I think it gives a bad image of football in general and especially of African football.”
