2022 FIFA WC qualifier: Major backlash of South Africa's defeat

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – A petition launched following South Africa’s controversial 0-1 defeat in its final 2022 Soccer World Cup qualifier against Ghana on Sunday has received more than 50,000 signatures.

The result sent South Africa crashing out of the 2022 World at the expense of Ghana.

The controversial deciding goal came after South African defender Rushine De Reuck was judged to have fouled Daniel Amartey, but footage seems to indicate that there was no irregular contact.

Referee Ndiaye Maguette awarded a penalty which was converted.

A petition was launched by aggrieved fan Thato Majola after the match, demanding an immediate investigation from FIFA.

“We call upon FIFA’s ethics committee to investigate the Senegalese referee for possible match manipulation and influencing the result of a football match,“ Majola wrote.

The demands of the petition include a rematch at a neutral venue, and a referee from “one of the Arab nations” to ensure neutrality.

Ironically, South Africa was forced to replay a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Senegal after the referee was found guilty of match manipulation.

The South Africans had originally beaten Senegal 2-1 but lost 2-0 in the replay as Senegal qualified for the World Cup in Russia.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) on Monday confirmed that it will lodge a formal complaint with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the match officials during Sunday’s fixture.

South Africa has failed to qualify for a World Cup competitively since the 2002 edition in South Korea and Japan.

-0- PANA CU/MA 16Nov2021