‘It was a penalty’ – Ex-Black Stars defender Sammy Kuffour speaks on penalty controversy against South Africa

Former Ghana defender Samuel Osei Kuffour has reacted to South Africa’s criticism that Senegalese referee Maguette Ndiaye awarded a dubious penalty to aid Ghana’s qualification to the World Cup playoffs.

Andre Ayew scored from the spot in the 32^nd minute to qualify Ghana to the final round of the qualifiers after the referee punished South Africa defender Rushine de Reuck for a supposed foul on defender Daniel Amartey.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) who seems not to be happy with the penalty awarded to Ghana and suspects the match was fixed has lodged a complaint to FIFA for hearing.

But according to the Black Stars management committee member, the referee had his decision right after watching the replay.

“When the corner was given, the referee was giving a warning to the South African defender and Daniel Amartey,” Kuffour told Thomas Mlambo on Ultimate Sports Show as per iDiski Times.

“Because they were troubling each other, the referee when there was a question there, if you look at the video, he questioned them, and the incident came in. For me, I was super excited about the goal, even when I go back to the hotel, and I watch the replay. I can testify it was a penalty.

“For me, when I looked at the play-back, it was two touches. The one in front and the one behind him. When I look at the play-back then I can justify it was a penalty for me.”

“For me, it is a penalty, you may see from a different angle, you have your opinion about the whole situation,” said Kuffour.

“I have my opinion, the referee has his opinion, the people of Ghana have their opinion and the people of South Africa have their opinion. So, for me, in my view, you see, we call something like that a contact force even if it is a slightest thing, you could see from out there.”

It is yet to be seen what FIFA will decide after Safa’s complaint.