Tensions Flare Between Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia After Controversial AFCON Quarter-Final
Relations between Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia are unlikely to thaw soon, following the highly contentious refereeing decisions in their 2015 African Cup of Nations quarter-final clash last Saturday.
The host nation of CAN 2015 issued a sharp statement responding to Tunisian media criticisms:
“We agree with the Tunisian newspapers when they talk about ‘shame,’ but it is their national team that should be ashamed. According to FIFA rankings, they are 22nd while Equatorial Guinea is 118th,” reported Afrik-foot. “Given this gap, Tunisia should have won 4-0 rather than complain about a dubious penalty. We also agree when they talk about a ‘scandal,’ but it was their players who caused it with unsportsmanlike conduct — insulting and spitting on the Nzalang bench, chasing the referee to attack him, and leaving the field while hurling insults and obscene gestures at fans.”
Javier Balboa, Equatorial Guinea’s striker and two-goal scorer in the match, weighed in:
“Maybe there wasn’t a penalty, but these things happen every weekend in the top leagues in Spain or England. Maradona scored a handball goal in the World Cup that was even clearer than that penalty. You have to take your chances, especially under pressure. I don’t understand the Tunisians. A team of their caliber shouldn’t resort to dirty tactics. They complained a lot about the penalty, but after scoring, they played for time, fell easily… and said nothing else. With 30 minutes still to play, the match was still open. In extra time, we were the better team!”
Adding to the tension, until Tuesday, the Tunisian flag still flew outside the Bata stadium — a symbolic reminder of the lingering dispute.
This rivalry, sparked by controversial decisions and heated reactions, is set to keep the rivalry between the two nations fiery in the near future.
