World Cup Qualifiers: South Africa accuses Ghana of match fixing

The president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, says there is a huge suspicion that the final group game against Ghana and his side in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers was fixed adding that, he can prove betting spikes before major refereeing decisions were made.

Addressing the press earlier today, Danny Jordaan said his outfit has complained to FIFA about ‘match manipulation’ during the match which the Bafana Bafana lost 1-0.

He said SAFA had engaged the services of an expert, former South African Andile Aldrin “Ace” Ncobo who spent between 10 and 11 hours reviewing the match before filing their complaint.

Background

On Tuesday, World football governing body FIFA confirmed that it received a complaint from the South African Football Association (SAFA) over their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ghana which they lost 1-0.

FIFA in a statement in response to a query from Graphic Online said: “FIFA has received a complaint from the South African FA in relation to this matter and will review it. Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage”.

It will be recalled that the Black Stars of Ghana defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 1-0 last Sunday at the Cape Coast Stadium to qualify for the play-offs for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The goal which was scored by Ghana captain Andre Ayew came from the penalty spot after Ghana defender Daniel Amartey was fouled.

Replays of the incident show that South Africa defender Rushine de Reuck held the Leicester man after a corner was floated in his direction by Daniel Kyere.

Senegalese Referee Maguette Ndiaye awarded the penalty which was converted by Ayew.

Ghana had trailed South Africa by three points heading into the match and victory was the only result required to seal qualification to the third round of the qualifiers while the South Africans had only needed a draw.