Ghana FA has asked FIFA to review possibility of a World Cup qualifier replay with Uganda after controversial refereeing that marred the goalless draw at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.
Two goals scored by the Ghanaians on the day were ruled out with a penalty also denied by referee Daniel Bennett and his assistants Eldrick Adelaide and Steve Marie, a show the visiting players felt was unfair.
According to a statement released by the Ghana FA immediately after the match concerning the complaints they are lodging, the body has requested FIFA the qualifier respectfully be replayed under a fair environment to decide the fate of both sides ahead of their final group games.
GFA lodged a protest with FIFA over the performance of ref D. Bennett & his assistants E. Adelaide & S.Marie during the 2018 WCQ v Uganda.
— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) October 7, 2017
The statement read;
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has lodged a protest with FIFA over the performance of referee Daniel Bennett and his assistants Eldrick Adelaide and Steve Marie during the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Uganda on Saturday.
The GFA filed the protest to football’s world governing body, FIFA, immediately after the match at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. Mr Bennett and assistants denied Ghana a perfect goal in the 93rd minute with television replays showing that it was a perfect goal.
The referee also denied Ghana a penalty earlier in the second-half when Ghana midfielder Frank Acheampong was brought down in the box. These and several other decisions by the match officials have left the GFA with no option than to ask FIFA to examine their performances.
The GFA respectfully asked FIFA to consider the possibility of a replay in order to serve the ends of justice without fear or favour.
Ghana’s controversial goal scored in stoppage time against @UgandaCranes. Do you think the goal would have stood or rightly cancelled? 😏 pic.twitter.com/0qazmeZjBR
— Kawowo Sports (@kawowosports) October 7, 2017
Ghana Black Stars’ disallowed goal from substitute Raphael Dinamena in the 4th minute of added time forced players to plead their case when the whistle was blown but the referee stood by his second assistant referee Jonathan Steve Marie’s signal for offside.
If the match is replayed, Ghana will have no option but win for a chance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Uganda will have to win as well to brighten their chances of a maiden appearance at the World Cup.