Ahmed Akaichi Breaks Down After Tunisia’s Controversial Exit
Following Tunisia’s painful 2-1 loss to Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, striker Ahmed Akaichi expressed his deep frustration and heartbreak over the match’s controversial refereeing.
Speaking through tears in the mixed zone, Akaichi didn’t mince words:
“It’s not normal for us to continue like this. It’s a real shame. A question mark over what happened, a message for CAF and Issa Hayatou. He can no longer stay in African football, he has to leave. We have to get out of this. It’s the fault of poverty.”
Akaichi had opened the scoring in the 70th minute, putting the Carthage Eagles on course for the semi-finals. But in the 92nd minute, Mauritian referee Seechurn Rajindraparsad awarded a highly questionable penalty to Equatorial Guinea — a decision that dramatically shifted the momentum. Javier Balboa converted the spot-kick and later sealed the win in extra time with a stunning free-kick.
The decision sparked outrage not only among the Tunisian players but also across the footballing world, with many calling for accountability and questioning CAF’s officiating standards. Tunisia’s elimination under such circumstances has cast a shadow over what had been a thrilling tournament.
